WA's Mitch Clarke signed as development player

The Perth Wildcats have signed West Australian young gun Mitch Clarke as a development player for one year on the eve of their 2021/22 season-opener.

Clarke has been a part of the Wildcats Academy and pre-season training squads since 2018 and impressed at the recent NBL Blitz pre-season tournament in Tasmania.

The Perry Lakes Hawks product is thrilled to be added to the Wildcats 2021/22 roster.

“It’s awesome. I’ve been around for four years so to be rewarded and get the opportunity to play is amazing. It’s been my goal for a long time,” said Clarke.

“Playing at the Blitz, being able to hold my own and contribute to the team, really validated my belief that I could play at this level.”

Clarke played in all five of the Wildcats pre-season games, adding 3.8 points and 1.2 assists per game.

“He’s earned his spot on the team with his play,” said head coach Scott Morrison.

“He went to the Blitz not expecting to play, but he ended up playing a lot. He gave it all he had, chased guys around for whatever minutes we gave him. He hit open shots and set up the offense under heavy ball pressure.

“We’ve been really pleased with how he’s responded to the increased role. I feel confident personally if we have to throw him out there for a few minutes to stem the tide or play a certain role.”

Mitch Clarke is a two-time NBL1/SBL Champion with the Perry Lakes Hawks.

In the recent 2021 NBL1 season, the crafty guard averaged 13.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game.

 The 22-year-old’s journey to becoming a development player was aided through his involvement with the Perth Wildcats Academy.

“Mitch has been in our Academy for a number of years now and has always used that as a chance to work on his craft and continue to grow his game and develop the skills and traits required to be an NBL development player,” said Wildcats assistant coach Luke Brennan.

“He’s been close for a number of years now, so for him to finally earn that contract is a credit to him and the work he’s done, not only through the Academy, but also on his own and with his NBL1 squad.”

The Perth Wildcats Academy is a group of high-potential young West Australian players on the cusp of an NBL squad, allowing them to be led by NBL coaches and be provided with a realistic pathway to the next level.

Mitch Clarke will wear the number 41 uniform when the Wildcats open their season on Friday night at RAC Arena.

Tickets available here.