Jervis paved unique path to 200 NBL Games

Tom Jervis’ ride to 200 NBL games has been far from normal.

Way back in 2013, after accepting that his NBL opportunity may not come to fruition, a 27-year-old Jervis took a job as a radiator salesman, but just weeks later he received a life-changing call from new Wildcats head coach Trevor Gleeson.

He signed his first professional contract with Perth and told his would-be boss he was no longer available.

Jervis went on to be named NBL Rookie of the Year and win an NBL championship in his first season.

In 2016, he added another championship to his CV before departing his hometown team to join the Brisbane Bullets.

After two seasons in Bullets colours he made a return to the Wildcats and was pivotal in the 2018 championship success.

In the off-season that followed he announced he would hang up his basketball shoes, before coming out of retirement 16 months later in the lead-up to the delayed 2020/21 season to once again join Perth.

On Thursday, the man who had come to terms with life playing zero NBL games, will play his 200th.

“I started off really late, oldest Rookie of the Year I’m pretty sure, and everything has kind of been a little backwards and to my script, but not to a regular script of a basketball player. At the end of the day I’m thankful I’m able to do this, especially to be able to play 200 as a Wildcat,” he said

“It’s pretty special, considering 18 months ago I was done and dusted, but to be able to play 200 games in the NBL is pretty special for me and my family.

“It’s a testament to the ‘Cats to be able to get me ready to get to do this.”

Tom Jervis also clocks up 150 games for the Perth Wildcats in three games time.

In his four completed seasons with Perth, he’s won three championships.

Throughout his NBL career, Jervis averages 6.1 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.

Congratulations, Tom Jervis!