NBL Player Profile: Tom Jervis
Steve Chalmers provides a background check on the Wildcats big man, including his immediate rise from local league player to being in an extended Aussie Boomers squad!
Who is Tom Jervis?
Jervis, 27, is a 6'11'' centre playing in his second season for the Perth Wildcats this year after coming off a superb championship winning season, claiming the NBL Rookie of the Year in 2013.
Surprisingly, Jervis was picked up by the Wildcats last year after it was made public that he was starting a new career selling radiators to mine sites, which he has now had to put on hold after the breakout season.
“I always hoped to make it as a pro basketballer, but I felt that dream had almost slipped away, so I got on with my life and got a job, but to get that call from the Wildcats was unbelievable, it’s something I’ve worked very hard to achieve.” - Jervis
He has a knack of being a force on the defensive end, blocking or changing shots while inside the paint. On the offensive side of the floor, you'll see Jervis hustling for rebounds in hope for extra possessions for his team, finishing plenty of easy points under the rim. #469323321 / gettyimages.com
History
Jervis represented Western Australia in Under 18 and Under 20's before heading over to the USA to attend Troy University in 2007. He spent two years at Troy and in his final season averaged 6.7ppg, 6.5rpg and 2.1bpg, when he became a starter.
Upon his return to Australia, he joined WA SBL side East Perth Eagles where he's now currently playing in his sixth consecutive season. This was where he was noticed by the Perth scouting staff, knowing that there was considerable talent in their own state league.
In addition, Jervis had been named to the extended squad of the Australian Boomers in 2011 thanks to his standout season in the SBL. He then went one better this year when he made the team to face China in the Sino-Aus series last June.
Most recently, Jervis has been preparing for the upcoming NBL season dominating for his East Perth Eagles despite only playing a handful of games. Averaging 19.6ppg, 12.4rpg and 3.8bpg (48 minute games) Jervis has led his team to the Grand Final after they finished 7th at the end of the regular season. East Perth take on Geraldton Buccaneers this Saturday (30th Aug 2014) for the SBL Championship.
Highlights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kf9cBDDCjYg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL7pHlQJK4k
Future
Jervis will be looking to improve his game for the Wildcats after coming off a big year which put him on the map in Australian basketball. Despite coming into the NBL as an insurance policy for Matt Knight, Jervis will now contend for much heavier minutes during the 2014/15 NBL season.
His main focus will be improving his offensive game, hoping to shift some of his SBL success towards the national league. If he can develop a better post game, it will go a long way to proving that he can match it with the best.
“I’ll bring a lot of rebounding, a lot of hustle, I’ll run at every chance I get and work to give my teammates extra opportunities under the basket,” - Jervis
Jervis could quite possibly be one of the X-Factors Perth need again for their chance at going back-to-back and winning a seventh NBL title.
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