The Perth Wildcats officially announced the signing of NBA rookie James Ennis on Tuesday as the club hopes to keep the high-flying wing away from the Miami Heat long enough to compete for the NBL crown.
The Wildcats have inked Ennis to a one-year deal, but the forward could be forced to return to Florida at any time should his NBA club come calling.
Until then, the Wildcats have an electrifying presence they hope will make up for the loss of former NBL MVP Kevin Lisch, who signed with French JSF Nanterre during the off-season.
Asked to describe his style of play, Ennis responded by saying, “High flyer, I like to dunk, alley-oops, and bring the crowd on their feet.”
His statement bodes well for Perth’s sold-out crowds as the club looks to make their fourth Grand Final series in five years.
“This is a team I look forward to playing for, because they’re very successful and I just want to win. I think I came to the right spot,” Ennis said.
“I would like to stay the 12 months and help the Wildcats win a championship – that’s my main goal.”
Ennis absorbed a lot during his short time in Miami.
“They’re just very professional at all times,” Ennis said of the Miami playing group.
“They take everything seriously. That’s my main mindset now – take everything seriously, day by day, and put it in God’s hands.”
Ennis will help usher in a new era of Wildcats basketball under new coach Trevor Gleeson, but their 2013-14 campaign got off to an unlucky start last week when recruit Mathiang Muo tore his left Achilles. The Wildcats had recently inked the Aussie guard after a college career Charleston Southern University.
Ennis with Wildcats owner Jack Bendat (courtesy of Perth Wildcats).
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