Perth Wildcats Captain Jesse Wagstaff is set to become the first Wildcats player to reach the 500 game milestone over the weekend.

The veteran basketballer and six-time NBL champion will notch up his 500th game against the Sydney Kings at Qudos Bank Arena on Sunday, if he plays both fixtures in this weekend’s double header, with the Wildcats also hosting South East Melbourne Phoenix at RAC Arena on Friday night.

Wagstaff, who is in his 16th season as a Wildcat, is the most capped player for Perth after he surpassed club great Ricky Grace’s games record of 482 games earlier this season.

Former Wildcats teammate Greg Hire, joined Sports Breakfast, ahead of the weekend to reflect on Wagstaff’s outstanding milestone.

“He’s not just in a role where he’s just providing guidance and leadership, but I still think he’s impacting the game in a really significant way,” he said.

“I think that’s a testament to obviously his training methods. He is extremely professional, and he needs a little bit of luck. I mean, for a guy that hasn’t, touchwood, endured many injuries.

“That’s just Jesse to a tee. He’s meticulous with his approach from a scouting analysis of opposition and then looking after himself.

“I couldn’t think of a greater milestone for a guy that’s just an exceptional high character.”

Wagstaff is now in his fifth season as club captain after taking the mantle over following Wildcats great Damian Martyn’s retirement prior to the 2020-21 NBL season.

But before being named captain, the 38-year old led the way on court in a highly successful period that saw his side take out six titles and finish no lower than fourth place across the decade.

Hire praised Wagstaff for his leadership, stating he led by actions over words.

“I’ve enjoyed that growth from him because when I was playing and you had Shawn Redhage or Brad Robbins as captains, then to Damo, and then myself in the leadership group, Jesse really was just a leader by action, like he wasn’t really that vocal or demonstrative,” he said.

“You always hear that in all sporting codes or teams where there’ll be some guys that once when they speak, you listen because you know what they’re saying really good and some people talk too much.

“But Jesse, I think what I’ve seen, certainly speaking amongst the group, I think I’ve really loved seeing that sort of side to him.

“He hasn’t changed that approach. Like I still talk to him and he still cracks dad jokes and does the same things that he did five years ago.

“So I think him as a leader speaking close to his values of why he’s been successful. But then as well, I think relying on just those relationships that he’s built. So I really love seeing that side of Jesse as well.

Wagstaff and Hire, throughout their basketball career have been close on and off the court, sharing much of their basketball journeys together from the younger years in NBL1 level to the international stage.

Along with their NBL success, the pair even share a silver medal after representing Australia in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in the 3×3 Basketball event.

Hire says he is ‘fortunate’ to call Wagstaff his best mate and enjoy the ‘incredible ride’ with him.

“I had just graduated from college. He was the NBL rookie of the year,” he said.

We’re actually playing in similar positions. So I was thinking in my head I’m no chance to get minutes here or even a contract.”

As my time with the Wildcats grew, our friendship grew and it was the off season, I think in my second year where he was playing for the Perth Redbacks and I was playing for Wanneroo Wolves and we had a few games against each other. You relish that competition and then it sort of grew from there.

“Once I became a fully contracted player, just like everything out wives now, then obviously weren’t wives, but their relationships grown and now obviously we live in the same suburb.

“I’m fortunate to call him my best mate. So it’s been an incredible ride, that’s for sure.”

IMAGE: Perth Wildcats