Beechboro students go wild for visiting Perth Wildcats

The players ran warm ups, drills, games and competitions with the students, including activities done at Wildcats training.

Students practiced catching, dribbling, shooting and ball skills and the “monster walk” which involved bouncing the ball between their legs.

Sports teacher Alison Cross said it was encouraging to have the championship players visit the school, which had a focus on basketball this term.

“It’s great for them to be motivated that sport is fun, and basketball is a game everyone can join in,” she said.

“It encourages the students that you can make a career of sport – and anything is possible with hard work and determination.”

The students also took photos with the players and received autographs while Jervis answered questions from the class.

Questions from the class ranged from “Why are you so tall?” to “Have you ever done a slam dunk?” and “When did you start playing basketball?”

“I’m not going to lie – my dad is extremely tall – but I also love my vegetables,” Jervis said.

“Peas, corn, carrot, broccoli, bok choi – eating well helped me end up so big.

“Slam dunking is easy when you are close to the ring – and some of the players on our team are very athletic as well.

“I started playing when I was five years old, and a lot of practice went in to getting to where I am today.

“But my parents said – and I always say – that school work comes first because that helps you get a career in whatever you want to do.”