Wanneroo Wolves star Greg Hire is optimistic his impressive men's State Basketball League season will be enough to earn him a dream full-time contract with the Perth Wildcats for next season.

Hire was the NBL club's development player last season, appearing in 13 games, and is confident he can continue his development by earning the final spot on their senior roster for next season.

The 23-year-old forward has played a key role for Wanneroo in its successful men's SBL season, and hopes that will be enough to convince Wildcats coach Rob Beveridge to give him a contract.

"I think I've got the right toolsets and skills to play in the NBL. I've had the opportunities and I believe I'm there," Hire said.

"I worked my butt off with the Wildcats last season and still continue to do so. And I know they know that as well.

"I'm happy with what I did and what I showed to them, so I've got the confidence that they'll give me a go.

"All I can do is keep working hard in the SBL and I know they're looking at those results. I'm happy with my progress at the moment."

And Wildcats co-captain Brad Robbins said Hire impressed everyone in his time as the team's development player and was in contention for a roster spot.

"Greg is definitely in the top two guys they'd be looking at," Robbins said. "He has dramatically improved and he is definitely good enough to be a full-time NBL player.

"He was competing with national league players last season and was holding his own and doing some great things. He is definitely ready and he is the type of character we want around our club."

Hire, who has averaged 22.1 points and 16.8 rebounds per game from 16 SBL appearances for the third-placed Wolves this season, said he would have to consider a move interstate if another NBL club approached him, but getting on Perth's roster was his preferred option.

"I owe Bevo and SD (Wildcats assistant coach Shawn Dennis) a hell of a lot because of how much they've changed my life in this past year," he said.

"I've got a European passport, so if it doesn't work out here I might venture over there and see how it goes, but it was always my dream to play for the Wildcats."

And the highly-rated big man has the backing of his coach at Wanneroo, Ben Ettridge, who said Hire would be a good fit with the five-time NBL champions.

"His heart and tenacity in which he approaches the game are very impressive. He fights for everything, he doesn't look pretty in everything that he does, but he's effective," Ettridge said.

"He would be successful in whatever team that he went to. Every team needs a Greg Hire."

Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Wayne Wright (Wayne Wright Photography)

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