Perth Wildcats Sign NBL1 Sharp-Shooter Michael Harris

The Perth Wildcats are excited to announce the signing of NBL1 sharp-shooter Michael Harris as a development player for the next two seasons.

Harris is coming off an impressive 2022 season with Mount Gambier Pioneers in the NBL1 South, averaging 24.8 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. 

The 22-year-old shooting guard is excited to be heading west.

“It’s really cool, it’s been a little while since I’ve been involved with an NBL team as a DP and I’m really excited to join such a successful club,” said Harris.

“I pride myself on my shooting so hopefully I can provide some additional three-point shooting to the roster this season.

“I’m excited to play for such an experienced coach, John Rillie’s played a hell of a lot of games in the league, and then also playing alongside champions like Bryce Cotton and Mitch Norton, I’m just really excited to get going.”

Perth Wildcats head coach John Rillie said the South Australian, who stands at 195cms, has a great future ahead of him in the NBL. 

“The exciting thing about Michael is his shot-making ability, he has range to 25 feet, and has had a great NBL1 season with Mount Gambier,” said Rillie.

“I wanted someone who has a chance to play in the NBL as a full-time roster member, he’s been involved with the Adelaide 36ers previously, so he has experience in the league and understands what comes with the role.

“This should be a great learning curve for him and will hopefully help develop his career.”

General manager of basketball operations Danny Mills says Harris is ready to put in the work and grow in the Wildcats environment.

“A big part of our development player program is selecting guys who want to put the work in to improve and be a part of the competitive environment that we have here,” said Mills.

“After talking with Michael, we felt that he was definitely someone who wanted to take that next step, and we’re excited to give him the opportunity.”

 Harris has signed on for the next two years, with the second year a team option.

He joins Ollie Hayes-Brown as Perth Wildcats development players for the upcoming season.

Pre-season training officially commences on Monday, with the Wildcats season-opener locked in for Sunday 2 October at RAC Arena.