Brad Robbins is thankful to the Wanneroo Wolves for allowing him to prepare for the upcoming Perth Wildcats season by playing in their men's State Basketball League championship-winning campaign.

Wildcats co-captain Robbins joined the Wolves in June and played a crucial role in their run to their first SBL championship since 1993, which culminated in their 88-83 victory against Perry Lakes in Saturday's Grand Final.

The 26-year-old guard averaged 13.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 14 games with the Wolves and excelled in the Grand Final, where he had eight points, five rebounds, six assists and nine steals.

Robbins said his time in the SBL had been hugely beneficial and had set him up well for a big NBL season.

"The Wanneroo club is such a family environment and they welcomed me with open arms midway through the year, which I'm so grateful for," he said.

"I've gained a lot. I feel like I've developed my leadership in terms of on-court skills, I've been able to have an off-season and I've put on some weight.

"Compared to this time last year, I'm so much fitter. Normally I'm under the knife and having surgery and this year I'm running around. It's just great to be in shape."

Robbins has always been known for his tenacious defence but he stepped it up offensively in the SBL, especially in the finals, where he averaged 17.3 points from his six outings.

He said he was optimistic that would help him improve his offensive numbers with the Wildcats.

"For the Wolves I guess I've got the green light to take those shots, where with the Wildcats the idea is to shoot when you're open. But it's definitely given me the confidence to take that into the NBL," Robbins said.

"For me and even for the other Wildcats guys who've played SBL, I think it's done us a world of good." Robbins' Wanneroo teammate and recent Wildcats signing Greg Hire also had a fantastic SBL season, averaging 21.8 points and 17 rebounds per game.

Hire dominated the Grand Final, where he had 31 points and 28 rebounds to take the Most Valuable Player award for the game, and Robbins said performances like that showed he would be successful in the NBL.

"Greg Hire is amazing. He put up ridiculous numbers through the season," Robbins said.

"He's going to challenge everyone who steps onto an NBL court and I can't wait to see him in action. He's going to be a Wildcats fan-favourite.

"They (the Wildcats coaches) wanted him to lose weight and they wanted him to work on his game and he did that. The sky is the limit for Greg. If he wants to have a long career, he can."

Article by Jacob Kagi at the WA Basketball Stadium
Photos by Helen Theoharakis (Hoop Shots)

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