Perth Wildcats coach Rob Beveridge believes the State Basketball League is the perfect platform for stars of the future to hone their skills and launch professional careers.

Beveridge, who led the Wildcats to the 2010 National Basketball League title and another grand final last season, has watched several of the club’s development players grow into genuine NBL players and prospects in recent seasons.

Wanneroo product Greg Hire is the most prominent example, having joined the Wildcats’ senior roster from the development squad two years ago and become a member of the starting five this season.

Now current development players Ben Purser (Perry Lakes), Gavin Field (Cockburn) and Michael Vigor (Perth) are following in Hire’s footsteps.

“Those three are on the verge of becoming NBL players, whether that’s with us or another team,” Beveridge said.

“When you’ve got six players coming off contract you try to say to these young guys that there are opportunities there for them.

“However, the six people coming off contract won’t want to give their jobs up either.

“You’ve got to have that carrot there and there are opportunities, but they’ve got to earn it. They’re definitely competing, there’s no doubt about it.”

Purser, Field and Vigor all suited up for their SBL clubs in the opening round of the 2013 season last week and impressed Beveridge, who keeps a keen eye on all players’ form in the local competition.

Purser averaged 18 points and eight rebounds for Perry Lakes in wins over Kalamunda and Mandurah, while Vigor registered 24 points and 11 boards for the Redbacks as they sent Goldfields packing.

Field was arguably the most impressive; scoring a game-high 27 points at 63 per cent for reigning champions Cockburn and collecting 13 rebounds despite the Cougars going down to East Perth.

Beveridge puts a high value on consistency and wants to see more of the same from the trio as the season progresses.

“For them to be an NBL player, they must dominate the SBL. It’s as simple as that,” Beveridge said.

“They have to be leaders in their teams; they’ve got to be the leading scorers, leading rebounders, leading assists, whatever it might be.

“They have to be the main go-to players and that’s the mentality they have to go with.

“Obviously they do play a lot of minutes and I track what they’re doing. They’ve only played the one or two games, but I was very happy with the first week.”

Beveridge has always said he would reward good form at training and impressive SBL performances with court time for the Wildcats.

He has stayed true to his word this season.

Despite the Wildcats’ deep roster, Purser, Field and Vigor have made 26 NBL appearances between them this season.

Kyle Armour (Willetton) and Trian Iliadis (Wanneroo) – both members of Beveridge’s extended academy group – have also suited up and made their NBL debuts.

The development pathway implemented by the Wildcats has created chances for local products to step up to the national stage. Now the young guns just have to grab them.

Article by Shayne Hope
Photos by Helen Theoharakis (Hoop Shots) & Mick Cronin