Greenwood signs 3 year deal with Perth
The speculation linking US college standout Hugh Greenwood with the Perth Wildcats is no more, with the New Mexico Lobos graduate signing a three-year deal with the Perth Wildcats today.
Currently working out for a number of NBA teams ahead of the 2015 draft, Greenwood has incorporated both NBA and European out-clauses in his contract in signing with one of the most successful teams on and off the court in the NBL. According to his agent Michael Oakes of Mummu Athlete Management, Greenwood is excited about the opportunity to suit up for the Wildcats this coming season.
"He is greatly looking forward to working with Matt Nielsen and Trevor Gleeson, to add to the Wildcats and enhance his opportunity to play for the Boomers in Rio," shared Oakes.
Greenwood provides outstanding value for the Wildcats as someone who is currently on the fringe of the NBA. As a returning Australian college player, he only takes up 3 points under the points cap which allows the Wildcats to once again boast a seriously deep roster loaded with talent. With Jermaine Beal having recently taken up his second year player option and Damian Martin contracted, the signing of Greenwood creates one of the most talented back court trios in the NBL.
In his fourth and final year of college, Greenwood delivered 11.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game and leaves as one of the all-time Lobos favourites for his deeds on and off the court.
His outstanding 2014/15 season on the court saw him named to the All-Mountain West Conference Third Team and The Pick and Roll's All-Australian First Team. Away from the hardwood, he publicly tackled cyber trolls and bullying while also starting a charity called “Pink Pack” to raise funds for the University of New Mexico Cancer Center in honour of his mother’s second battle with breast cancer. He has so far helped raise in excess of US$52,000 in donations for his charitable cause that is close to his heart.
Before he arrives in Perth, Greenwood has a heavy load ahead of him during the off-season. While he has already undertaken a successful workout with the Utah Jazz, he is expecting more over the coming month, with the NBA his ultimate goal. He has also made himself available for Australia's 2015 World University Games campaign, an experience that could well catapult him into contention for the senior Boomers team.
“I’ve put my name up for the Uni Games campaign which is a stepping stone towards that (playing for the Boomers),” expressed Greenwood.
“It is something that I have prided myself on, as I love representing my country. It’s something that I have always done and loved to do."
While there is still a chance of Greenwood picking up a potential deal in the NBA or in Europe, as it stands today, Greenwood will be pulling on a Wildcats jersey this coming season. That alone should be reason enough for Perth fans to get excited.