Former Kentucky star Brandon Knight is set to continue his professional career in Australia.
Knight has signed with the Perth Wildcats in Australia’s NBL league.
Most recently, Knight spent time with Mets de Guaynabo in Puerto Rico’s BSN league. In 19 games, he averaged 18.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game.
Here’s an excerpt from Perth’s announcement of the signing:
The Perth Wildcats have signed 10-year NBA veteran point guard Brandon Knight on a one-year deal, completing the roster ahead of the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 season.
Brandon Knight has spoken for the first time about joining the Perth Wildcats, declaring his intention to embrace a new challenge and help the club compete for the NBL27 championship.
Knight is already familiar with Perth after previously visiting the city through the Basketball Without Borders program and attending NBL games during his stay.
“I’ve heard nothing but great things. I’ve heard they have some of the best fans in the world, so I’m excited about it,” Knight said.
“I had an amazing time when I visited Perth. It was a spectacular city with spectacular people, and the atmosphere at the games was amazing.
“I’m looking forward to getting there, connecting with the fans and the city, and making the most of it.”
Selected by the Detroit Pistons with the eighth overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, Knight brings 451 games of NBA experience and proven scoring and playmaking ability to the Wildcats’ backcourt.
The 188cm point guard averaged 14.0 points, 3.9 assists and 3.1 rebounds across an NBA career that also included time with the Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas Mavericks.
Rather than relying on his NBA résumé, Knight said he would arrive in Perth ready to earn his place in a new competition.
“I’m not resting on what I’ve done before. This is a new league with new players and different experiences,” Knight said.
“I’m thankful for my 10 years in the NBA, but this is a completely different league. There are a lot of great players in the NBL, the level of basketball is really high and the players compete hard.
“I have to come in with the mentality that nobody cares about what I’ve done before. It’s a new season and it’s time to build something new here in Australia.”
