No “ego hit” for Usher

Friday, January 5, 2024

Perth Wildcats star Jordan Usher has lifted the lid on his thoughts about his role change and move to the bench.

Perth import Jordan Usher has opened up on his mid-season role change, which resulted in a move to the bench for the resurgent Wildcats.

Usher started the campaign with a bang, scoring 35 points in the season-opener, but was shuffled to the bench in Round 6 after a dip in form.

Since then, the 25-year-old has settled into his adjusted role in John Rillie’s system, with Usher’s improvement coinciding with Perth’s rise up the ladder.

“It’s never a hit to the ego,” Usher told The West Australian’s The Dribble Podcast.

“You have to be resilient to that type of stuff, especially in-house or anything with my teammates or my own coaches. If that’s what we think is going to win more games, then I am all for it.

“I’m a competitor. At the end of the day, no one wants to not start in basketball, especially at the professional level when I feel like I can.

“But I’m here to win games, and I’m here to provide what the team needs and bring that next championship to the Perth Wildcats. That is truly my only intention.”

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Usher added his attitude is one of a “perfectionist”, leading to him analysing his performances and listening to feedback on how he played.

“We have a lot of passionate fans and they were letting me know that I’m not providing what they think that I should provide. I take that to heart,” he said.

“I love basketball and it’s a full piece of me so if I feel like I’m not at my 100 per cent best, I definitely don’t carry myself with a full smile. I want to be better and I want to get right.”

Usher and the Wildcats battle the New Zealand Breakers on Sunday at 2pm AEDT, live on ESPN via Kayo Freebies, 10 Peach, 10 Play and Sky Sport in New Zealand.