Wolves sign their first import Jonathan Wade

The Joondalup Wolves have announced the signing of import Jonathan Wade for the 2021 NBL1 West season.

The 6’5” guard, born in the United States, is about to make a name for himself in Western Australia. Signing with the Wolves for the NBL1, Wade is Joondalup's first American import for the 2021 season.

Wade played Division One college basketball at Norfolk State University where he averaged 19.3 points per game as a Senior. Since college he has played professionally in Europe where he spent two seasons with Pully Basket in Switzerland and Z Mobile Prishtina in the Kosovo Super League.

Prior to COVID, Wade had signed to play with Hawkes Bay in the NZNBL. 

Wade spoke about signing with the Wolves and becoming a part of the NBL1 in 2021.

“One of the main reasons that I signed with the Wolves is their level of professionalism," Wade said.

"The communication from the coaching staff, facilities and how we connected right away was big for me. Also knowing that they have a culture of winning is what I want to be a part of and to be able to potentially play for a Championship is exciting.

“I am really excited to be a part of the NBL1 and playing in the NBL1 West. Before I got to Australia, I always heard good things about the league when I was in Europe. I told myself last year that I wanted to play in this league and show what I can do and now it is a reality.”

Wolves CEO and men’s coach Andrew Summerville shared his thoughts on Wade joining the Wolves for the 2021 NBL1 West season.

“Getting Jonathan was huge for our club," Summerville said.

"With the current environment and travel restrictions, getting American imports this year was always going to be a challenge. We were fortunate to find Jonathan who although being an American, currently lives in Melbourne with his Australian wife Kiara.

"Jonathan has been on our radar for two years and this year was the right time to sign him. Over the holiday period I had a coffee with him in Melbourne and we hit it off straight away.

“He fits our needs perfectly, he can play multiple positions, can shoot the ball, defend and rebound at an elite level.

"His versatility will give us many options, but his unselfishness will compliment our other players perfectly. He is a mature, intelligent, well-rounded man and I can’t wait to coach him.” 

Wade will be joining Lochlan Cummings, Seb Salinas, Reece Maxwell, Joel Vaiangina, Hamish Warden and Jordan Wellsteed on the Wolves men’s 2021 roster.