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Perth Wildcats
Perth Wildcats
Established1982
Team ColoursRed, Black and White
Home VenueChallenge Stadium, Perth
Major SponsorSaville Australia
Championships1990, 1991, 1995, 1999/00
Team HistoryWestate Wildcats
(1982-1984)
Perth Wildcats
(1985-Present)
ChairmanJack Bendat
DirectorAndrew Vlahov
Chief ExecutiveNick Marvin
CoachConner Henry
Assistant CoachTBA
CaptainPaul Rogers
Websitewww.wildcats.com.au

The Perth Wildcats are an Australian basketball team competing in the National Basketball League. Challenge Stadium is a sports complex in the suburb of Mount Claremont, west of Perth, Western Australia. Perth is the capital and largest city of the Australian state of Western Australia. 2000 ( MM) was a Leap year that started on Saturday of the Common Era, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. Andrew Mitchell Vlahov (born 1 April 1969 in Perth, Australia) is a former professional Basketball player who played in the National Basketball League Conner Henry (born July 21 1963, in Claremont California) is a retired American Basketball player Paul Andrew Rogers (born September 29, 1973 in Adelaide, South Australia) is an Australian Basketball player currently playing in For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. Basketball is a team Sport in which two teams of five active players each try to score points against one another by propelling a ball through a 10 feet (3 m The National Basketball League is Australia 's top-level professional Basketball competition The Wildcats are the only team in the league representing the state of Western Australia and are based in the state capital, Perth. Western Australia is a state occupying the entire western third of the Australian continent. Perth is the capital and largest city of the Australian state of Western Australia. They are one of the most successful teams in the league, having achieved four championships during their 24 seasons (equalled by only the Adelaide 36ers), and have currently appeared in the finals for 21 straight seasons [1] (an accomplishment matched by no other NBL club). Club history The Adelaide 36ers were formerly known as the Adelaide City Eagles when they joined the NBL in 1982, and the club changed its name to the Adelaide

Contents

History

The 1980s

Formed in 1982 as the Westate Wildcats, the Wildcats became the first, and so far only, Western Australian club to compete in the NBL. The club was initially captained by Mike Ellis and comprised members of the Western Australian state team and several import players. Mike Ellis (born July 27, 1958 in Perth Western Australia) is a retired Australian professional Basketball player in the In these early years the Wildcats played at Perry Lakes Stadium and struggled to make an impact on the league. Perry Lakes Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium adjacent to Perry Lakes in Floreat Western Australia, Australia. In 1984 the Wildcats changed their name to the Perth Wildcats and in 1987 moved from Perry Lakes to the 5,000 seat Superdrome (now known as Challenge Stadium). Challenge Stadium is a sports complex in the suburb of Mount Claremont, west of Perth, Western Australia.

After signing a number of star players (including Cal Bruton, Tiny Pinder and James Crawford), the Wildcats not only made their first playoff appearance in 1987, but attained a Grand Final berth. Calvin Bruton (born September 29 1954 in New York City, US) is a former player and a current coach in the Australian National Kendall Nathaniel (Tiny Pinder (born c 1956) is an American former Basketball player James Crawford (born April 13, 1960 in Alabama, US) is a former professional Basketball player in the National Basketball League A playoff or final in Sports is a game or series of games played after the regular season is over with the goal of determining a league champion or a similar accolade A Grand Final is a predominantly Australian sporting term used to describe a final that decides a league champion Unfortunately for the Wildcats they lost this Grand Final series to the Brisbane Bullets. History The Bullets were established in 1979 for the foundation season of the National Basketball League under the captaincy of Bruce Fitzgerald and Head coach Despite this loss the 1987 season marked the beginning of 20 straight years of playoff appearances that still runs to this day.

The following years were not as successful on or off the court for the Wildcats. Significantly, the club was forced to deal with the shocking death of player Scott Fenton and his fiancée in a car accident during the 1989 season. Scott Fenton ( 5 November 1964 - 21 August 1989) was a professional Basketball player who played 140 games in the National Basketball In his memory, Scott Fenton’s jersey (number 14) became the first to be retired by the club.

The 1990s

Mike Ellis celebrates the Wildcats' first championship.
Mike Ellis celebrates the Wildcats' first championship.

A new decade saw the Wildcats move once again, now to the 8,200 seat Perth Entertainment Centre. The Perth Entertainment Centre (or PEC) is a disused indoor arena and cinema complex located in Wellington Street in the city centre of Perth, Western Australia The 1990 season also began with turmoil as coach Alan Black was controversially fired after only two games. Alan Black is a former Basketball player and a current basketball coach in the Australian National Basketball League. Despite this shaky start to the season the Wildcats charged into the Grand Final and achieved their first NBL championship by defeating the Brisbane Bullets in Brisbane. "The Championship" redirects here For the English football competition see Football League Championship. Brisbane ( is the state capital of Queensland. Brisbane is the third most populous city in Australia and the most populous city of Queensland The Wildcats backed up this effort in 1991 by becoming the third team in NBL history to win back-to-back championships, defeating the Eastside Spectres in front of a home crowd.

The Wildcats were destined for more turmoil in 1992: they were unable to secure a hat-trick of championships, they lost player Kendall (Tiny) Pinder in very controversial circumstances, and captain Mike Ellis retired at the end of the season. Kendall Nathaniel (Tiny Pinder (born c 1956) is an American former Basketball player Andrew Vlahov became captain of the club in 1993 and the Wildcats competed in another Grand Final campaign. Andrew Mitchell Vlahov (born 1 April 1969 in Perth, Australia) is a former professional Basketball player who played in the National Basketball League This time however the Wildcats were defeated in a tough battle with the Melbourne Tigers, who claimed their first NBL championship. Early Struggles - '84 - '91 The Tigers joined the National Basketball League in 1984 The Wildcats lost by two points. The television broadcast of the game incorrectly displayed the final score as a one-point loss.

The 1994 season was lacklustre, with sixteen wins and ten losses in the regular season and elimination 2-0 in the quarter-finals by the South-East Melbourne Magic. Honour Roll By contrast 1995 saw the Wildcats sitting on top of the table and eventually blitzing the North Melbourne Giants in game three of the series. Honour Roll The Wildcats' third championship also allowed the club to travel to the McDonald's Championship in London to play against the best clubs in the world. The McDonald's Championship (sometimes called McDonald's Open) was an international men's Basketball cup competition played between champions of continental club London ( ˈlʌndən is the capital and largest urban area in the United Kingdom. The Wildcats lost against the Houston Rockets from the NBA 116 - 72 in their first game of the tournament, but defeated Real Madrid 93 - 86 in their second game. The Houston Rockets are an American professional Basketball team based in Houston Texas. Real Madrid is a Spanish professional Basketball team founded in 1932 as a division of the Real Madrid club

The 1997 season became the testimonial season for James Crawford who was expected to retire at the end of that season. James Crawford (born April 13, 1960 in Alabama, US) is a former professional Basketball player in the National Basketball League The Wildcats hosted an exhibition match against James Crawford’s all-star team, which featured many NBL stars both current and retired. Although 1997 had been touted as Crawford’s retirement year, he continued to play until injury forced him out during the 1998/99 season.

2000 to Present

Andrew Vlahov and Luc Longley purchased the Wildcats from businessman Kerry Stokes for the 1999/2000 season. Lucien James "Luc" Longley (born January 19 1969 in Melbourne, Victoria) is a retired Australian professional Basketball Kerry Matthew Stokes AC is an Australian businessman He holds business interests in a diverse range of industries including electronic and print media property mining and The season itself was very successful for the Wildcats as they claimed their fourth championship against the Victoria Titans, becoming the first team in NBL history to do so. Honour Roll To top off the stellar season, centre Paul Rogers became the first Wildcat to win the Most Valuable Player award. Paul Andrew Rogers (born September 29, 1973 in Adelaide, South Australia) is an Australian Basketball player currently playing in See also National Basketball League (Australia At the conclusion of each NBL game both coaches award votes to the best players from that game

The end of the 2001/02 season saw the Wildcats leave the Perth Entertainment Centre for a return to their old home the Superdrome (now Challenge Stadium). Challenge Stadium is a sports complex in the suburb of Mount Claremont, west of Perth, Western Australia. Till then, Perth had avoided the league's fall in attendance, thanks to the team's performances and the popular central CBD location of the arena, but the Perth Entertainment Centre was no longer viable for its owner Kerry Stokes as basketball was not the primary tenant, and he was forced to close the venue and relocate the team back to their former and unpopular suburban-based arena.

Ricky Grace became captain of the club in 2002/03 when Andrew Vlahov retired from the league. Ricky Ray Grace (born August 20, 1966 in Dallas Texas, United States) is an American / Australian professional Basketball The season saw the Wildcats head to their seventh Grand Final, where unfortunately for the Wildcats they were defeated by the Sydney Kings in their first championship. History The Kings were formed from a merger between the West Sydney Westars and the Sydney Supersonics in 1988 More controversy followed as coach Alan Black was fired for the second time by the club.

Mike Ellis became coach for the following season,[2] but his tenure was short, being replaced the following season by Scott Fisher. Scott Fisher (born July 20, 1963 in San Jose California, US) is a retired American - Australian Basketball [3] The 2004/05 season saw the end of an era as captain Ricky Grace played his last game of his career with the club. [4] Grace was the only remaining member of all the Wildcats' championships and had been an integral part of the club for 15 years. In order to celebrate his career with the Wildcats a legends match was held featuring many retired Wildcats stars (including Bruton, Crawford, Ellis, Vlahov and Fisher), current and retired NBL stars (including Leroy Loggins, Andrew Gaze, Mark Davis and Phil Smyth). Leroy Loggins (born December 20, 1957 in New Brunswick New Jersey, United States) is a former professional Basketball player Andrew Barry Casson Gaze (born 24 July 1965 in Melbourne, Victoria) is Australia 's best known Basketball player and undoubtedly one of Mark Davis (born December 23, 1960 in Philadelphia, US) is a naturalised Australian former Basketball player who played from 1985 Philip John Smyth AM (born May 11, 1958 in Adelaide South Australia) is an Australian former Basketball [5]

With Grace retired, veteran player Tony Ronaldson became captain of the Wildcats in 2005/06, but was relieved of his captaincy after only one season. Anthony Dean "Bear" Ronaldson (born May 25, 1972 in Adelaide, South Australia) is an Australian Basketballer currently playing

The Wildcats have also been instrumental in the NBL's push towards promoting the league in the lucrative Asian market over the last few years. [6] Not only have Wildcats games been telecast to millions of potential viewers in Southeast Asia,[7] the Wildcats have hosted several regular season games in Singapore in an event known as the "Singapore Spectacular. Singapore "[8] [9] Now that the Singapore Slingers have joined the NBL, the "Singapore Spectacular" is no longer held. History The franchise was known as the Canberra Cannons from 1979 to 2003, winning 3 championships in 1983, 1984 and

In February 2006, West Australian Jack Bendat became the Chairman and majority shareholder of the club. Although no longer the majority shareholder, Andrew Vlahov remains in control of the club as the Managing Director. Managing director is the term used for the Chief executive of many limited companies in the United Kingdom, Commonwealth and some other English [10].

In August 2006, Paul Rogers became the fifth player to captain the Wildcats. [11] Rogers replaced Tony Ronaldson as captain for 2006/07, despite Ronaldson's continuing to play for the club. The Wildcats celebrated their 25th anniversary during the 2006/07 NBL season and recorded their highest number of wins in a single season (23 wins), although historically they have recorded better win-loss ratios. [12] The 2007 season came to an end when the Wildcats were defeated by the Cairns Taipans 82-78 in the quarter finals. History The first coach in franchise history was former Cairns Marlins ABA coach Rod Popp [13] Currently the Wildcats have played exactly 800 NBL games. [14]

As of late 2006, a new Perth Arena with a capacity of over 12,000 spectators is being built on the former Perth Entertainment Centre (PEC) car park. Perth Arena is a new indoor sporting and entertainment arena located on Wellington Street in the city centre of Perth, Western Australia. Managing director Andrew Vlahov has expressed interest at moving the club to the new arena once it is completed in 2009,[15] and owner Jack Bendat has been named as a future stadium user. [16] Despite a desire to move to this larger capacity venue, the Wildcats would need to overcome what would likely be significant costs involved in hiring the arena, an issue that cost the Wildcats dearly during the later years of their tenure at the PEC. [17]

Retired Jerseys

Honour Roll

NBL Championships:4 (1990, 1991, 1995, 2000)
NBL Finals Appearances:1987 - current
NBL Grand Final appearances:7 (1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1995, 2000, 2003)
NBL Most Valuable Players:Paul Rogers (2000)
NBL Grand Final MVPs:Ricky Grace (1990), Pete Hanson (1991), Ricky Grace (1993), Andrew Vlahov (1995), Marcus Timmons (2000)
All-NBL First Team:James Crawford (1987), Ricky Grace (1991, 2001-03), Andrew Vlahov (1992, 1995), Paul Rogers (2000, 2002), Shawn Redhage (2008)
NBL Coach of the Year:Murray Arnold (1991)
NBL Rookie of the Year:Andrew Vlahov (1991)
NBL Most Improved Player:James Harvey (2001), Matt Burston (2003), Peter Crawford (2005)
NBL Best Sixth Man:Stephen Black (2003)

Source: www.nbl.com.au

Season-by-Season

SeasonResultsFinalsCoachCaptain
198210th (10-16)-Henry DaigleMike Ellis
198312th (6-16)-Gordon EllisMike Ellis
198416th (3-20)-Lynn MasseyMike Ellis
19858th (13-13)-Jay BrehmerMike Ellis
198612th (8-18)-Jay BrehmerMike Ellis
19874th (19-7)Grand-FinalistsCal BrutonMike Ellis
19886th (13-11)Semi-FinalistsCal BrutonMike Ellis
19893rd (16-8)Semi-FinalistsAlan BlackMike Ellis
19905th (17-9)CHAMPIONSAlan Black/Cal BrutonMike Ellis
19911st (22-4)CHAMPIONSMurray ArnoldMike Ellis
19926th (12-12)Quarter-FinalistsMurray ArnoldMike Ellis
19931st (21-5)Grand-FinalistsAdrian HurleyAndrew Vlahov
19946th (16-10)Quarter-FinalistsAdrian HurleyAndrew Vlahov
19951st (19-7)CHAMPIONSAdrian HurleyAndrew Vlahov
19963rd (16-10)Quarter-FinalistsAdrian HurleyAndrew Vlahov
19974th (17-13)Semi-FinalistsAdrian HurleyAndrew Vlahov
19983rd (17-13)Semi-FinalistsAlan BlackAndrew Vlahov
1998/996th (13-13)Elimination-FinalistsAlan BlackAndrew Vlahov
1999/003rd (22-6)CHAMPIONSAlan BlackAndrew Vlahov
2000/013rd (21-7)Elimination-FinalistsAlan BlackAndrew Vlahov
2001/022nd (17-13)Elimination-FinalistsAlan BlackAndrew Vlahov
2002/032nd (22-8)Grand-FinalistsAlan BlackRicky Grace
2003/047th (15-18)Quarter-FinalistsMike EllisRicky Grace
2004/057th (15-17)Quarter-FinalistsScott FisherRicky Grace
2005/067th (16-16)Semi-FinalistsScott FisherTony Ronaldson
2006/073rd (23-10)Quarter-FinalistsScott FisherPaul Rogers
2007/084th (18-12)Semi-FinalistsScott FisherPaul Rogers

Current roster

Perth Wildcats
2007/08 Roster
Head Coach: Conner Henry
Assistant Coach: CJ Jackson, John Le Bon		Edit
G5Flag of AustraliaAdam Caporn(WA; Saint Mary's College of California)
G/F8Flag of AustraliaPeter Crawford(QLD)
F10Flag of AustraliaJeff Dowdell(NSW)
F10Flag of AustraliaTom Garlepp(WA; University of California, Santa Barbara)
GTBAFlag of the United StatesDarnell Hinson(Oklahoma; Northeastern State University)
G55Flag of AustraliaBen Hunt(VIC; Texas Wesleyan University)
F40Flag of AustraliaAlex Loughton(WA; Old Dominion University)
F42Flag of AustraliaShawn Redhage(Nebraska; Arizona State University)
G22Flag of AustraliaBrad Robbins(VIC)
C9Flag of AustraliaPaul Rogers - Captain(SA; Gonzaga University)
* = Import, # = Development PlayerPerth Wildcats

References

  1. ^ 21st final key to championship. Perth Wildcats (2007). Retrieved on 2007-02-27. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1560 - The Treaty of Berwick, which would expel the French from Scotland, is signed by England and the Congregation
  2. ^ Wildcats tab Ellis as new coach. NBL Media (2003). Retrieved on 2007-02-27. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1560 - The Treaty of Berwick, which would expel the French from Scotland, is signed by England and the Congregation
  3. ^ 'Cats like Fish. Perth Wildcats (2004). Retrieved on 2007-02-27. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1560 - The Treaty of Berwick, which would expel the French from Scotland, is signed by England and the Congregation
  4. ^ Levinson, Barry (2005). Tigers end an Amazing career. Sportal. Retrieved on 2007-02-27. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1560 - The Treaty of Berwick, which would expel the French from Scotland, is signed by England and the Congregation
  5. ^ Stars honour Grace. Perth Wildcats (2005). Retrieved on 2007-02-27. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1560 - The Treaty of Berwick, which would expel the French from Scotland, is signed by England and the Congregation
  6. ^ Jury, Kelly (2005). NBL's Asian Success. NBL. Retrieved on 2007-02-27. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1560 - The Treaty of Berwick, which would expel the French from Scotland, is signed by England and the Congregation
  7. ^ Wildcats Jam into Asia. NBL (2003). Retrieved on 2007-02-27. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1560 - The Treaty of Berwick, which would expel the French from Scotland, is signed by England and the Congregation
  8. ^ Kings of the world. NBL (2005). Retrieved on 2007-02-27. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1560 - The Treaty of Berwick, which would expel the French from Scotland, is signed by England and the Congregation
  9. ^ Bousfield, Andrew (2005). Wildcats whip Bullets. NBL. Retrieved on 2007-02-27. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1560 - The Treaty of Berwick, which would expel the French from Scotland, is signed by England and the Congregation
  10. ^ Chadwick, Justin (2006). New chairman for Wildcats. Sportal. Retrieved on 2006-02-22. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1495 - King Charles VIII of France enters Naples to claim the city's throne
  11. ^ Rogers the new skipper. Perth Wildcats (2006). Retrieved on 2006-08-29. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 708 - Copper coins are minted in Japan for the first time (Traditional Japanese date: August 10, 708)
  12. ^ History starts here. Perth Wildcats (2007). Retrieved on 2007-02-27. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1560 - The Treaty of Berwick, which would expel the French from Scotland, is signed by England and the Congregation
  13. ^ Chadwick, Justin (2006). Taipans upset Wildcats. Sportal. Retrieved on 2007-02-27. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1560 - The Treaty of Berwick, which would expel the French from Scotland, is signed by England and the Congregation
  14. ^ History starts here. Perth Wildcats (2007). Retrieved on 2007-02-27. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1560 - The Treaty of Berwick, which would expel the French from Scotland, is signed by England and the Congregation
  15. ^ Egan, Craig (2007). Perth Wildcats aim for 10,000 by 2012. Austadiums. Retrieved on 2007-02-27. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1560 - The Treaty of Berwick, which would expel the French from Scotland, is signed by England and the Congregation
  16. ^ Mason, G. , Taylor, R. , & Emerson, D. Indoor arena cost hits $320m. The West Australian (2007). The West Australian (often simply called The West) is the only locally-edited daily newspaper published in Perth Western Australia, and is owned by Retrieved on 2007-02-27. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1560 - The Treaty of Berwick, which would expel the French from Scotland, is signed by England and the Congregation
  17. ^ Egan, Craig (2007). Perth Wildcats aim for 10,000 by 2012. Austadiums. Retrieved on 2007-02-27. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1560 - The Treaty of Berwick, which would expel the French from Scotland, is signed by England and the Congregation

External links

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