LAS VEGAS (AP) — Building on the success of last year’s games featuring Victor Wimpanyama and Scott Henderson, the G League is bringing even more international talent to Las Vegas this fall.
The G League Fall Invitational will take place on September 6th and 8th, where the G League Ignite will play against the Perth Wildcats. Just like last year’s games between Ignite and Boulogne-Levallois — Henderson’s team from last season against last season’s French team Wembanyama — the matchups will feature at least three projected first-round picks in the 2024 NBA Draft.
“The international presence within the G League is growing stronger every year, and with these pre-season games against a storied and successful program the Perth Wildcats, we are excited to continue showcasing some of the best young prospects and top talent from around the world,” said Sherif Abdel-Rahim, President of the G League. “If last year’s games are any indication, this is going to be another competitive and exciting pre-season.”
Wimpanyama and Henderson twice went head-to-head this past October in the Henderson, Nevada, Las Vegas suburb where Ignite plays their home games. Wimpanyama became the first pick in the 2023 draft for San Antonio; Henderson went third in the draft to the Portland Trail Blazers. Those games last fall brought scouts from all 30 NBA teams, as well as drawing global media attention.
Ignite has produced 10 NBA draft picks in the past three seasons, the most of any team, including four top-10 draft picks with a prospect coming in more. Lottery nominees Matas Pozelis and Ron Holland of McDonald’s and All-Americans are on the Ignite roster for upcoming season.
A likely first-round pick in the 2024 draft is Perth’s outstanding Alexander Sarr – his brother is Olivier Sarr of Oklahoma City.
The team from Western Australia is the most successful club in NBA history, having appeared in 10 championships and 16 grand final matches. Former NBA player and three-time NBL MVP Bryce Cotton is also on Perth’s current roster, as is Keanu Pinder – who plays in the Summer League in Las Vegas with the Phoenix Suns.
“We are delighted to be invited to travel to Las Vegas in early September to compete in a two-game series against G League Ignite,” said Perth General Manager Danny Mills. “Taking our team and organization to play on a world stage is an integral part of our long-term strategy as a club.”
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