Tai Webster Re-Signs with Perth

The Perth Wildcats have announced Tai Webster has re-signed with the club for the next two seasons, with a team option on the second year. 

The Auckland-born sharp-shooter joined the Wildcats in January of the 2022/23 season, following a stint in the Turkish Basketball Super League.

The 27-year-old Webster had a desire to be closer to family and was reunited with his brother Corey in Perth. 

The dynamic scoring guard is an experienced NBL champion, winning a title with the New Zealand Breakers in 2013. 

Webster said he can’t wait to get back to Perth.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tai Webster nails his first bucket in a Wildcats uniform! ?<br><br>? Watch live on ESPN via Kayo &amp; Foxtel <a href="https://t.co/FYBEkqVful">pic.twitter.com/FYBEkqVful</a></p>&mdash; Perth Wildcats (@PerthWildcats) <a href="https://twitter.com/PerthWildcats/status/1611652458694193153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“It’s exciting, obviously last season didn’t end the way we wanted it to so I’m very excited to come back, it feels like unfinished business,” Webster said.

“Playing in front of the fans at RAC Arena is amazing and it’s a fun team to be a part of.

“With the additions of Keanu (Pinder) and the young guys as well, it’s going to be exciting.”

Wildcats head coach John Rillie said he’s looking forward to having Webster’s aggressiveness and confident mindset on the team for a full season.

“Adding Tai to our roster last year provided us with another dynamic player-maker at the guard position,” Rillie said. 

“Besides his play-making ability, he’s a good rebounding guard which will help address a weak area.

“Tai’s aggressive and confident mindset at both ends is what I’m looking forward to seeing for a full season, he has the ability to create winning plays out of nothing which is a dynamic that every team needs as we hunt for a title.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Get your calendars ready, Red Army… The NBL24 schedule is here! ??<br><br>Schedule release brought to you by Milo. He’s clearly very excited about it… ? <br><br>Full details: <a href="https://t.co/nvlVsneUWS">https://t.co/nvlVsneUWS</a> <a href="https://t.co/m3hXbKmZB0">pic.twitter.com/m3hXbKmZB0</a></p>&mdash; Perth Wildcats (@PerthWildcats) <a href="https://twitter.com/PerthWildcats/status/1648813678479962112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Perth General Manager of Basketball Operations Danny Mills said Webster is in the prime of his career and will continue to evolve his game.

“We are extremely excited to agree to terms with Tai and bring him back to Perth in a Wildcats uniform for another two seasons,” Mills said. 

“His ability to get downhill and put pressure on the rim while also generate offense for both himself and teammates is at an elite level and a great compliment to the rest of our roster.

“As he enters the prime years of his career, we believe his game will continue to evolve as one of the premier two-way guards in the NBL, and he will be a major part of our roster for the future.”

Perth’s season begins on September 29 against the Tasmania JackJumpers.