Wildcats see potential in Andrew

THE Perth Wildcats have signed Otago Nuggets backup centre Jack Andrew as a development player for the next two years.

The 21yearold big man, who stands at 208m, joins the Wildcats after helping the Nuggets claim the NBL title this season.

Andrew played second fiddle to Sam Timmins. But what minutes he did get, he made a big impression. He was easily the Nuggets’ most improved player and he is very excited by the opportunity.

‘‘It’s so surreal,’’ Andrew said.

‘‘It’s been a whirlwind but it’s very cool and very humbling and it really hasn’t sunk in yet.

‘‘The upside of my game is getting rebounds. I hunt the ball, I get the ball, set screens for my teammates and like to play above the rim — they are focus points for me.’’

Wildcats coach John Rillie said Andrew would be one to watch this season.

‘‘Jack is a youthful, dynamic athlete . . . he’s an explosive athlete,’’ Rillie said.

‘‘One of his main roles on this team will be developing his own personal game. He’s just come off winning a championship with the Otago Nuggets and his continual growth will be really exciting to watch this season.’’

Wildcats operations general manager Danny Mills said Andrew had enormous potential.

‘‘Over the past two weeks of having Jack here working out with the team, he has shown us the potential we saw in him while playing in the NZNBL,’’ he said.

‘‘He has athleticism, size and strength to compete at this level and we hope he will grab the opportunity with both hands and make the most of the resources we have here to help improve his game and reach his upside.’’