Wildcats sign Wolves star Hire
Wanneroo Wolves forward Greg Hire has beaten off competition from several other men's State Basketball League stars to earn a full contract with the Perth Wildcats.
Hire was a development player with the Wildcats last year and impressed coach Rob Beveridge enough to earn the final spot on the full-time roster for the 2011-12 season.
The Wolves captain earned the 10th spot ahead of the likes of East Perth centre Tom Jervis, Perry Lakes forward Ben Purser and former Geraldton guard Everard Bartlett, all of whom have spent time training with the Wildcats in recent months.
And Hire's impressive SBL season undoubtedly played a huge part in that. The 23-year-old, 198cm Perth native has averaged 21.4 points, 16.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game while leading the Wolves into the semi-finals, where they will face Cockburn.
He also impressed during limited court time in his 13 NBL appearances last season, averaging 1.3 points and 1.2 rebounds while playing less than five minutes per game.
Back in June, Hire told SBL.asn.au it had always been a dream to play for the Wildcats.
"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 owe Bevo and SD (assistant coach Shawn Dennis) a hell of a lot because of how much they've changed my life and how much they've changed my approach to basketball in this past year.
"I just really want to play in the NBL. Obviously I'm a Perth guy and it was my dream to play for the Wildcats and now my next dream is to secure a full-time contract.
"I can definitely credit my growth both on and off the court to the Wildcats and their coaching staff.
"Being a development player last year definitely helped me mature as a player. It's been unbelievable what I learned from them."
Wildcats hire hire (by Shayne Hope - The West Australian)
Wildcats complete 2011/12 squad with WA product Greg Hire (Chris Pike - Wildcats.com.au)
Greg Hire claims final spot on Perth Wildcats roster (PerthNow)
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Wayne Wright (Wayne Wright Photography)
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