Wildcats captain commits to 18th season on eve of 40th birthday

[p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/wagstaff-jesse/2qviqbna/"]Wagstaff[/a], who turns 40 on April 30, will also have the opportunity to overtake Mark Bradtke, Glen Saville and Leroy Loggins and move into third place on the NBL's all-time most games played list. [/p][p]The 39-year-old made 35 appearances for the [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/perth-wildcats/6kwWLHl6/"]Perth Wildcats[/a] last season to take his career tally to a massive 540 NBL matches and, despite averaging only nine minutes per game, continues to be an invaluable presence on and off the court for the club. [/p][p]The 2010 Rookie of the Year will commence his seventh season as captain and, despite now having a limited impact on court in terms of pure stats, remains "[b]a steady presence[/b]" for the Wildcats according to club management. [/p][p]Wildcats General Manager of Basketball Operations Danny Mills said Wagstaff’s influence continues to be highly valued within the group.[/p][p]“[b]Jesse continues to play an important role in our group, and we’re pleased to have him back for NBL27,[/b]” said Wildcats General Manager of Basketball Operations Danny Mills in a press release on Tuesday night.[/p][p]“[b]His ability to impact games in key moments, combined with what he brings around the group, is something we value highly."[/b][/p][embed guid="a833d9e1-9c59-46de-af8e-42533f949646" url="https://x.com/PerthWildcats/status/2046499624949862689" social-type="twitter" /][p]Wagstaff said it "wasn't a difficult decision" to sign a one-year contract extension once concluding that it was the best thing for his family.[/p][p]“[b]I still feel good physically and mentally, and as long as I feel like I can contribute, I’m happy to keep going,[/b]” Wagstaff told the club.[/p][p]“I’ve never been someone who relies on athleticism, and I’ve probably managed my body a bit differently over the years.[/p][p]“[b]I don’t play a lot of basketball in the off-season anymore. I mix it up and keep my body fresh. That’s helped me stay at a level where I still feel I can contribute.[/b]”[/p]