Derby’s Keanu Pinder returns home to WA after signing two-year deal with Perth Wildcats

Derby’s own basketball superstar Keanu Pinder will return home to WA after signing a two-year deal with the Perth Wildcats.

Just days after losing NBA draftee Luke Travers, the Wildcats locked away Pinder who was rated as a MVP contender before an ankle injury and then an orbital fracture ended his season early.

The son of former Wildcat Tiny Pinder grew up in Derby WA, but produced his break out performances for the Cairns Taipans under ex-Perth assistant coach Adam Forde.

Pinder averaged 17 points and nine rebounds per game this season, and had an incredible 30 points and 13 rebounds against championship winners Sydney. He was thrilled to get the opportunity to play for the Wildcats.

“It feels great to be able to play in front of my family and the best fans in the country,” he said.

“I can’t wait to get started and I feel like we’re going to win a championship.

“Wildcats have such a rich culture and tradition of winning championships and I feel like I can be a part of that, I think we will have the team to do it, I like the vision the club has for me and I think we’re going to do well.”

Pinder’s imminent signing was reported in The West Australian on Saturday morning. The club was negotiating with Pinder in Europe as he continues to impress in Spain.

Wildcats coach John Rillie said he would be a key to success.

“We have put an emphasis on getting elite, local talent to the Wildcats this offseason and Keanu fits that mood, so to bring a home-grown talent back, we’re off to a great start,” he said.

“Keanu has shown great improvement in his all-round game over the last few seasons, his desire to work and compete for a championship is what caught my attention.

“He also rebounds at a high level so that addresses one of our weaknesses of last season.”

The 27-year-old will spend the next two seasons in Perth.

General Manager of Basketball Operations Danny Mills said Pinder was precisely what the club needed.

“From watching the development of his game over the last few years in the NBL, he has been high on our list of targeted players to build next year’s roster around and we can’t wait to see him in a Wildcats jersey playing in front of the Red Army,” Mills said.

“His ability to put pressure on the rim at both ends of the floor as an efficient finisher offensively and a rim presence and elite rebounder defensively is what we set out to address in free agency, and we feel we have done just that in bringing a star of the NBL back home in the prime of his career”.