The Chambers Franklyn City of Joondalup Wolves are excited to announce the signing of dynamic, international star Jacob Wiley for the remainder of the 2024 NBL1 West season.
Jacob Wiley is a flashy, high flying big man who dominates the court with speed and athleticism. Jacob played for NCAA Div 1 school UIC Athletics in Chicago, Illinois before transferring to Marian College for his Senior year in the NAIA where he averaged 11 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1 block per game.
Jacob started his professional career playing in the Greece-Elite League where he played for two different teams in the 2022/23 season, playing for GD Ermis Shimatariou, before accepting a move to NE Megaridas later in the season. At NE Megaridas Jacob averaged 12 points, 5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game, helping the team become playoff contenders.
For the 2023/24 season, Jacob played in the British Basketball League (BBL) for the Plymouth City Patriots where he excelled as a shot maker and defender, averaging 14 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per contest.
Wolfpack fans can look forward to seeing Jacob on court and above the rim for the remainder of the 2024 season!
Men’s Head coach David Morrell had this to say about signing Jacob:
“When you add in a player halfway through a season to a squad that’s already competing well, you want a guy who’s going to positively add to what you are doing and not disrupt anything. We know that Jacob is going to add to our team in a big way immediately. He gives us a new level of eye-popping athleticism, size, skill, and terrific versatility on both sides of the ball.
He just wants to win, and we are very excited to see what we can do as we integrate him into our team. He hasn’t played in Australia, but he comes to us straight out of a season in the BBL, which is a very high level of basketball. That international experience gives you some confidence about how he will be able to come in and impact our team in a positive way. One thing I know for certain, is that Wolfpack fans are going to love this guy.”
When Jacob was asked what he’s most looking forward to this season, he said:
“Joondalup in my opinion has the best fanbase in the entire league. I’m excited to join the Wolves for the rest of season. The team already has something special going on and I just want to add to it. I’ll be bringing a lot of energy, athleticism and versatility to the game.
My decision to join the Wolves was easy, I believe in this team’s ability to compete for a championship, and that’s something I want to be a part of!”
Following the signing of Jeremy Combs in February, significant delays were experienced in attaining immigration approvals. Whilst Jeremy had played for the Rockingham Flames in 2023, a similar visa was unable to be secured for 2024.
The Joondalup Wolves invested considerable resources in navigating Jeremy’s immigration challenges and understand that an alternate visa was issued shortly after Jacob commencing transit to Australia. We are disappointed that Jeremy has this week advised that he wished to immediately terminate his playing contract, and we understand he has an intention to sign a playing contract with an alternate NBL1 West club.
The Wolves are reviewing all remedies that are available in response to the circumstances surrounding Jeremy signing with another team and will be seeking clarification from the league on the validity of the mandated standardised league contracts.
Join us tomorrow night for Cancer Awareness Round! Don’t miss your chance to see Jacob and the Wolves in action! Buy your tickets below!