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Perth Wildcats sign defensive weapon Kyle Zunic for upcoming NBL season

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Craig O'DonoghueThe West Australian
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Kyle Zunic’s defensive attitude has already seen him compared to Damian Martin.
Camera IconKyle Zunic’s defensive attitude has already seen him compared to Damian Martin. Credit: Tim Cowie/Winthrop Eagles/Tim Cowie/Winthrop Eagles

Perth Wildcats recruit Kyle Zunic has been handed the ultimate compliment before he has even arrived in WA with the guard’s defensive mindset compared to the iconic Damian Martin.

Zunic has signed a two-year contract to be a Wildcats Development Player where he will learn under vice-captain Mitch Norton and veteran Kevin White.

Having watched Zunic during a successful college career at Winthrop University, Wildcats General Manager of Basketball Operations Danny Mills said the youngster’s defensive workrate made him an automatic target given the similarities to six-time NBL champion Martin.

Zunic led the NCAA for charges taken and said being compared to the Wildcats’ fan favourite was a massive honour.

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“He’s definitely someone I looked up to growing up,” Zunic said.

Kyle Zunic has signed as a Development Player at the Perth Wildcats.
Camera IconKyle Zunic has signed as a Development Player at the Perth Wildcats. Credit: Winthrop Eagles/Winthrop Eagles
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“It was something I really took to heart and wanted to replicate as much as I could. When I grew up, all of my coaches were just about defence and developing defence because your offence will come. I want the challenge of guarding the best guy on the other team.

“It was a great opportunity for me to lead into my pro career playing at Winthrop. They always taught to play as hard as you can, dive on loose balls, do all those toughness things that are the intangibles. I don’t second guess it. I stand in front of a body and I take a charge. No matter how big they are, I’ll do it.”

Zunic is expected to receive court time in his first season despite being a Development Player. His chances of early opportunities have been enhanced by Norton’s recent surgery to rectify the hip injury that plagued him during the finals, although the Wildcats expect him to be fit for round one.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 18: Scott Machado of the Taipans controls the ball against Damian Martin of the Wildcats  during the round three NBL match between the Perth Wildcats and the Cairns Taipans at RAC Arena on October 18, 2019 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
Camera IconDamian Martin was a defensive beast. Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Zunic’s father Zoran played for the Sydney Kings in the 1980s and the youngster said that had been a constant source of motivation.

“I didn’t even know he played professional basketball until I was 10 years old. He never was one to talk about it,” Zunic said.

“As soon as I heard that, I thought: ‘I’ve got to give this a try’. It’s a huge inspiration to try to follow in his footsteps.”

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