Jervis move on the cards
Free agent Tom Jervis left Perth yesterday to discuss a potential future with the Melbourne Tigers as the Wildcats secured a major piece of their roster for next season by re-signing captain Damian Martin on a multi-year contract.
Jervis was a mature-aged recruit for the Wildcats last year and starred in his first season, being named NBL rookie of the year.
He has attracted plenty of attention from rival clubs and could be tempted by lucrative offers as the Wildcats attempt to fit their talent-laden squad under the player points and salary caps.
Jervis was rated as a three-point player under the controversial player points ranking system during his rookie season, but has been re-rated to seven points.
Each club must fit 10 players under a 70-point cap.
Jervis' new rating and his increased standing in the league have made it difficult for the Wildcats to match rival offers.
But the Wildcats have managed to retain a strong core of their 2013-14 championship team, with Matt Knight, Greg Hire, Jesse Wagstaff, Shawn Redhage and Martin returning next season.
Mathiang Muo will rejoin the roster after missing last season through injury, while the Wildcats are also keen to re-sign American Jermaine Beal.
Coach Trevor Gleeson and managing director Nick Marvin will spend time in the United States where they will look for another import.
Martin has been the Wildcats' first-choice point-guard since following former coach Rob Beveridge to Perth from Sydney in 2009 and is one of the most decorated players in the club's history, having won four consecutive NBL defensive player of the year awards.
The 29-year-old resisted larger salary offers from rival clubs to sign a new deal.
He will remain with the Wildcats for a further two seasons and has control over an option for a third season.
Martin said player sacrifice had played a big role in the Wildcats' recent success, which has included two championships from four grand final appearances in the past five seasons.
"If you want to stay as a Wildcat you know that you're probably going to get offered more money elsewhere, but that's why we've had success," Martin said.
"Guys are willing to stay here for a little bit less money but to play in a better group.
"Like the other guys that have come off contract, they're probably getting offered more money to move on.
"But ideally you play basketball to win championships, to get better as a player and to develop as a person.
"You're lying if you say you didn't get offered more money elsewhere, but it's not enough to entice you to leave such a great club."
"You're lying if you say you didn't get offered more money elsewhere …"" *Damian Martin *
