US imports for the Joondalup Wolves, Wade Guerin and Richard Ross.
Martin Kennealey        www.communitypix.com.au   d465583
Camera IconUS imports for the Joondalup Wolves, Wade Guerin and Richard Ross. Martin Kennealey        www.communitypix.com.au d465583 Credit: Supplied/Martin Kennealey        www.communitypix.com.au d465583

SBL: Joondalup Wolves add American recruits Richard Ross and Wade Guerin

Mark DonaldsonJoondalup Times

Recruits Richard Ross, standing at 200cm, and Wade Guerin, at 205cm, join the Wolves on their first international basketball stints.

Ross, who is expected to bring explosive athleticism to the team, arrives with experience as an NCAA Division I college starter as well as having trialled with professional American football teams the Minnesota Vikings and San Diego Chargers.

The Texan looks to have been well versed on the culture of the Wolves in his short time here, already calling it his “Wolfpack family”.

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“I hope to bring toughness versatility and a winning attitude to the team,” he said.

“I didn’t know much about basketball in Australia other than it was good competition – I learnt that from watching the way the guys competed in the Olympics.”

Guerin, of Minnesota, enters the SBL with a history including NCAA Division III team the University of Wisconsin and the national Athletes in Action program for Christians. The 2012 conference championship winner intended to bring a “blue collar mentality” to Joondalup.

“Physicality, grit and pure hard work can rub off on individuals and go a long way for the team,” he said.

“I’ve seen Australians play in the NBA, and I knew from watching them that it was going to be physical and fast-paced down here.”

Both players had never been to Australia before and were enjoying laidback WA.

Ross was impressed by the city’s cultural diversity.

Joondalup’s season tips off with a grand final rematch against the Cockburn Cougars at Joondalup Basketball Stadium on March 18.

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