Perth Wildcats have made another addition ahead of the upcoming NBL season, signing Blake Nielsen — the son of Australian basketball legend Matt — to a two-year contract.

On Tuesday, the club announced the 200cm forward would be a development player for the 2026-27 campaign before being promoted to the main roster the following season, subject to his contract being approved by the league.

Nielsen graduated from St Edward’s University in Texas, where he moved after his father joined the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs as a coach in 2019, earlier this year.

He put together an impressive five-year collegiate career with the NCAA Division II school, producing per-game averages of 11.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists.

The 23-year-old also has plenty of familiarity with both Perth and the Wildcats, where Matt served as an assistant coach between 2015 and 2019.

Nielsen said he was delighted to start his professional career with a club he held in high regard.

“It makes you feel a little bit more comfortable when you know the people a little bit better, and you just know that it has always been such a strong organisation and strong club,” Nielsen said.

“I’m just excited to be a professional basketball player, learn as much as I can.

“It’s just about developing and absorbing as much information as I can, so I can be progressing as a basketball player, whatever that involves.”

Wildcats coach John Rillie said Blake would prove to be an excellent addition.

“With an infectious energy with the way he attacks and plays the game, he will bring a great spirit to this group everyday,” Rillie said.

“After a successful college career Blake has positioned himself well to jump into the pros.

“His high basketball IQ will be noticeable to his teammates from day one.”

After a decorated playing career in Australia and Europe, Matt was promoted to an assistant coach role with the Spurs — who are currently taking on the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals — in 2021.

Nielsen is the Wildcats’ second new addition for the 2026-27 season, coming after the club signed Cairns Taipans forward Alex Higgins-Titsha last week.

Perth also have imports Kristian Doolittle and Dylan Windler, star centre Jo Lual-Acuil, captain Jesse Wagstaff and breakout guard Elijah Pepper under contract, but the futures of young guns Ben Henshall and David Okwera remain uncertain amid interest from the American college system.