Wildcat Martin hopes for special NBL title
Feb 23, 2017 - 5:38 AM Perth captain Damian Martin says it will be the most-special title of his NBL career if the Wildcats can snare this season's Championship.The Wildcats slumped to last spot in December as the club's injury toll started to bite.
And their recruiting was also put under the spotlight when they axed import Jaron Johnson in December for a second time.
Johnson was first axed just three games into the season in order to bring in former NBA guard Andre Ingram.
But when Ingram returned home after just a few days, citing mental issues, Johnson was reinstated.
Johnson was then shown the door again in December as the Wildcats turned their attention to Bryce Cotton, who had been a revelation since linking up with the club.
Long-term injuries to Martin, Jarrod Kenny and Matt Knight also hurt the Wildcats this season.
Martin said all of the adversity had made this season even more special.
"I've been fortunate to be a part of three Championships," Martin said.
"If we win it this season, it would mean more to me than any of the other three because of all the adversity we've gone through.
"It's been such a special season."
The Wildcats only just scraped through to the finals after beating Melbourne United away in the final round.
The victory extended Perth's playoff streak into a record 31st straight season.
But, more importantly, it's given them a crack at title No.8.
The Wildcats haven't won back-to-back titles since snaring the 1990/91 Championships.
Martin hopes the team can replicate that feat this season, and owner Jack Bendat has been quick to remind the players of what he wants them to do.
"Pretty simple: Win, win, win," Martin said of Bendat's words of wisdom.
The Wildcats were breathing a huge sigh of relief when star big man Knight was cleared to play in the grand-final opener.
Knight was facing a two-match ban for purposely striking Cairns guard Travis Trice in the head with the ball.
But he escaped with a $1000 fine and a suspended two-game ban, freeing him to play in the opening match of the best-of-five grand-final series.
Knight was also ordered to send Trice a written apology - something Martin couldn't help but have a chuckle about.
"I don't know if I've ever heard of a guy having to write a written apology," Martin said.
"And Matty's handwriting is horrible, so he might need to dictate it.
"Travis is a good guy, and I'm sure he'll accept the apology."
Source: AAP
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