The Perth Wildcats have unveiled a new leadership team with six-time NBL title winner Jesse Wagstaff named skipper and guard Mitch Norton to serve as vice-captain.
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The Wildcats' roster underwent an overhaul during the off-season and they needed a new captain after Damian Martin retired last year.
Wagstaff and Norton were voted in as leaders by their teammates during the recent pre-season road trip to Brisbane, which ended in chaos after a COVID-19 scare in Queensland thwarted Perth's attempts to return home to WA without quarantining.
The Wildcats will be unable to play in round one of the NBL season as a result of the situation.
Wagstaff becomes the ninth player to captain the Wildcats in their 39-year history, and his appointment represents the first change of captaincy since 2013.
The Wildcats have won the past two championships and will be aiming to make the finals for a record 35th consecutive season.
"I stepped foot into the club 12 years ago. You never dream you'll be at the same club for this long let alone captain it," Wagstaff said.
"It's a huge honour and I'll do my best in keeping the legacy alive.
"This year's already shaping up to be highly unique.
"It'll be about keeping everyone level-headed and adaptable, things are going to change and change quite quickly.
"So being adaptable and rolling with the punches is going to be huge this season."
Martin and Wagstaff are the only players in NBL history with six championships at the one club.
Wagstaff is a former NBL rookie of the year and best sixth man.
The 34-year-old forward has played 347 NBL games, which makes him the fifth most-capped Wildcat of all-time.
Norton is in his third year at the Wildcats, winning championships in both of his seasons with the club.
Perth will boast a new-look team this season featuring recruits Kevin White, Todd Blanchfield and American power forward John Mooney.
PERTH WILDCATS CAPTAINS
* Mike Ellis 1982-1991
* Andrew Vlahov 1992-2002
* Ricky Grace 2002-2005
* Tony Ronaldson 2005-2006
* Paul Rogers 2006-2009
* Shawn Redhage 2009-2012
* Brad Robbins 2010-2012
* Damian Martin 2013-2020
* Jesse Wagstaff 2021-present
Australian Associated Press
