Grace's praise for Jesse ahead of record-breaking weekend

Ricky Grace described Wagstaff, who will equal Grace's 482 Wildcats games against Illawarra at RAC Arena on Friday night before becoming the sole games-record holder against South-East Melbourne Phoenix at John Cain Arena on Sunday, as the "backbone" of the club's winning culture.

Wagstaff already has an amazing basketball CV.

He's won an equal-record six NBL titles during his 16 years in the competition, has captained the Wildcats since the 2020-21 season and could potentially reach the 500-game mark if things go to plan in NBL25.

“Full credit to Jesse for being the backbone of the Wildcats’ culture of winning for as long as he has,” Grace told The West Australian’s The Dribble Podcast.

“He’s always been in the middle of doing the dirty work that someone has to do if you’re going to win. Jesse is a very underrated shooter, and he spaces the court, complementing Bryce to do his thing. The record is a testimony to Jesse’s ability to compete mentally and physically at the highest level.”

After signing on for a 16th NBL season, Wagstaff said it would mean a "huge amount" to break Grace's record, praising him as a legend of Australian basketball.

“It would mean a huge amount if I did,” Wagstaff told Wildcats media.

“Ricky is obviously a legend of not only this club, but of the entire NBL and Australian basketball as well."