BIO: James Harvey was born and raised in Perth (WA) where he began playing basketball as a junior with the Perry Lakes basketball program.

NBL EXPERIENCE

James Harvey made his NBL debut with the Perth Wildcats at 19 years of age. He scored three points in his first game.

1998/99
Harvey (1.7 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.1 assists across 16 games) played limited minutes as a rookie as Perth finished sixth with a 13-13 regular-season record.

1999/00
James Harvey entered 1999/00 looking to establish a regular role with Perth. Harvey (1.7 points and 0.7 rebounds in 1998/99) had played limited minutes as a rookie, with Perth finishing sixth (13-13) before being eliminated by Adelaide in the opening round of the playoffs. Coach Alan Black retained an experienced core featuring captain Andrew Vlahov, Ricky Grace, Scott Fisher, Anthony Stewart and Paul Rogers, while Todd Lichti, James Crawford, Clinton McDaniel and Sidney Goodman were among those who departed. The Wildcats also underwent a major change off the court when longtime owner Kerry Stokes handed control of the club to Vlahov and former Chicago Bulls centre Luc Longley, who had recently won three consecutive NBA championships. With Perth having failed to reach a Grand Final since 1995, Harvey entered his second season hoping to earn more opportunities alongside the club’s established stars.

Perth opened the season against defending champions Adelaide at the Adelaide Arena on October 2, where Harvey (16 points and 2 rebounds) provided valuable scoring off the bench, connecting on 7-of-12 field goals and making two three-pointers in 23 minutes. Rogers (20 points and 11 rebounds) led Perth’s scoring, while Stewart (17 points and 6 assists) contributed. Adelaide was paced by Brett Maher (25 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists), with Martin Cattalini (25 points) also contributing as the 36ers defeated Perth 109-89. Despite Harvey’s encouraging performance, the Wildcats lost their opening three games before beginning to find their form.

Harvey (8.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists across 36 games) took on a significantly larger role in his second NBL season, increasing his scoring average by almost five times compared with his rookie campaign. The young shooting guard became a regular option in Black’s second unit, providing outside shooting and energy behind Perth’s experienced backcourt. He appeared in all 28 regular-season games and each of the Wildcats’ eight playoff contests, establishing himself as a dependable part of the rotation while gaining valuable experience alongside some of the league’s most accomplished players.

One of Harvey’s strongest performances came against Wollongong at the Perth Entertainment Centre on October 30, where Harvey (18 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal in 25 minutes on 7-of-11 shooting, including 3-of-5 three-pointers) contributed, providing Perth with an important offensive contribution off the bench. Fisher (21 points and 6 rebounds) and Vlahov (17 points and 9 rebounds) provided support. Melvin Thomas (23 points and 8 rebounds) led the Hawks, but the Wildcats held on for an 89-86 victory. Harvey’s efficient shooting was particularly valuable in the closely contested game, highlighting his growing confidence and ability to contribute meaningful points as Perth began recovering from its difficult start to the season.

Rogers (18.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks across 36 games) developed into Perth’s leading scorer and rebounder, giving the Wildcats a dominant interior presence and taking much of the offensive pressure away from their younger players. His outstanding performances were rewarded when he became the first Wildcat to win the NBL Most Valuable Player award, also earning selection to the All-NBL First Team. Grace (14.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 7.6 assists across 35 games) continued to direct the offence, while Vlahov (14.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.9 steals across 36 games) remained a key contributor in the frontcourt. Fisher (12.9 points and 6.4 rebounds across 35 games) provided additional experience and scoring, while Stewart (12.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists across 36 games) remained one of Perth’s main outside shooting threats. With several established offensive players ahead of him, Harvey continued to develop as a bench scorer, making the most of his opportunities in a deeper Wildcats lineup.

Perth strengthened its roster midway through the season by signing former Melbourne Tigers import Marcus Timmons (12.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals across 16 games). Timmons, who had previously won an NBL championship with Melbourne in 1997, joined the Wildcats in late January and gave Black another athletic scoring option on the perimeter. His arrival added valuable championship experience to a rotation already featuring Grace, Stewart and Harvey, with the young guard continuing to provide scoring off the bench as Perth established itself among the league’s leading teams.

Against Brisbane at the Perth Entertainment Centre on March 4, Harvey (a season-high 19 points, 3 assists, and 1 steal in 26 minutes on 8-of-12 shooting, including two three-pointers, with only one turnover) starred as Perth defeated the Bullets 93-78. Rogers (14 points, 20 rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 blocks) and Timmons (14 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists) contributed. Harvey’s scoring was particularly valuable as the Wildcats continued their late-season winning streak, providing another example of the offensive improvement he had made since his rookie campaign.

Perth finished the regular season with eight consecutive victories, completing an impressive turnaround from its 0-3 start to finish third with a 22-6 record. Adelaide and Townsville also finished with 22 wins and six losses, with the teams separated by tiebreaking criteria. Harvey’s increased contribution had helped strengthen one of the league’s deepest rotations, giving the Wildcats another scoring option as they entered the playoffs determined to end their championship drought.

The Wildcats opened their quarterfinal series against West Sydney at the Whitlam Centre on March 15, but suffered a 91-80 defeat. Harvey (2 points and 1 rebound in 11 minutes) contributed, while Vlahov (15 points and 4 rebounds) led Perth’s scoring and Grace (14 points and 5 assists) provided support. Derek Rucker (29 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals) controlled the contest for the Razorbacks, whose victory left Perth needing to win its next two games at home to avoid another early playoff exit.

Returning to the Perth Entertainment Centre for game two on March 17, Harvey (6 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block in 15 minutes on 3-of-4 shooting) provided contributions from the bench, helping provide Perth with efficient scoring support as Rogers (25 points and 18 rebounds) dominated the paint, while Grace (20 points and 9 assists) contributed, while Rucker (25 points and 7 assists) again led West Sydney. The Wildcats secured a 99-88 victory to level the series at 1-1 and force a deciding third game.

The quarterfinal decider followed on March 19, with Harvey (2 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists) contributing as Perth defeated West Sydney 82-74. Rogers (19 points and 12 rebounds) led the Wildcats while Timmons (17 points and 7 rebounds) added support, providing important scoring support during the elimination contest. Simon Dwight (17 points, 3 rebounds and 2 blocks) was West Sydney’s leading scorer, but Perth completed a 2-1 series comeback and advanced to face Townsville in the semi-finals, giving Harvey his first opportunity to play beyond the opening round of the NBL playoffs.

Perth began its semi-final series against the Crocodiles at the Perth Entertainment Centre on March 24, securing a narrow 104-101 victory. Harvey (8 points, 1 rebound, and 3 assists in 18 minutes, including two three-pointers) contributed to provide valuable scoring off the bench. Grace (24 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists) led Perth’s scoring while Timmons (20 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) contributed. Mike Kelly (29 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists) led Townsville’s scoring, but Perth held on to take a 1-0 series advantage and move within one victory of the Grand Final.

Townsville responded strongly in game two on March 31, defeating Perth 101-78 at the Townsville Entertainment Centre. Harvey (11 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 block in 16 minutes, including three three-pointers) contributed as he attempted to give the Wildcats a scoring lift. Grace (16 points and 5 assists) led Perth while Rogers (13 points and 8 rebounds) supported. Sam Mackinnon (23 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals) produced an outstanding performance for the Crocodiles, who also received strong contributions from Pat Reidy and Robert Rose. The defeat levelled the series at 1-1 and forced Perth to win another elimination game away from home.

The deciding semi-final was played at the Townsville Entertainment Centre on April 2, where Harvey (9 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal in 16 minutes) contributed as Perth secured a convincing 104-84 victory. He connected on four of his five field-goal attempts, continuing to provide efficient scoring from the bench while Grace (21 points and 11 assists) and Rogers (20 points and 12 rebounds) led Perth’s offence. Rose (33 points, 3 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 steals) was outstanding for Townsville, but the Wildcats’ balanced attack proved too strong. Perth completed a 2-1 series victory to advance to its first Grand Final since 1995, giving Harvey the opportunity to compete for an NBL championship in just his second season.

Perth faced the Victoria Titans in the Grand Final series, travelling to Melbourne Park for game one on April 7. Harvey (6 points and 1 assist in 16 minutes) contributed, while Rogers (24 points and 20 rebounds) dominated inside and Grace (19 points and 6 assists) supported, helping the Wildcats maintain their offensive rhythm against Victoria’s experienced lineup. Tony Ronaldson (25 points and 2 rebounds) led the Titans, but Perth secured an 84-78 road victory to take a 1-0 series advantage and move within one win of the championship.

The Wildcats returned to the Perth Entertainment Centre for game two on April 12, playing in front of approximately 8,000 supporters as they attempted to secure the club’s fourth NBL title. Harvey (3 points, 2 assists, and 1 steal in 14 minutes) contributed, while Timmons (27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 steals, including seven three-pointers) led Perth and Stewart (20 points and 7 rebounds) added support, providing further scoring support as Perth attempted to close out the series. Darryl McDonald (25 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals) was Victoria’s leading performer, but the Wildcats held on for an 83-76 victory to complete a 2-0 Grand Final sweep. Timmons was named Grand Final MVP as Harvey collected his first NBL championship in just his second season, completing an impressive rise from limited rookie minutes to a regular contributor on Perth’s fourth championship team and its final title-winning side at the Perth Entertainment Centre.

2000/01
Harvey (19.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists across 29 games) was named NBL Most Improved Player as Perth finished third with a 21-7 regular-season record.

In qualifying-final game one on 4 April 2001, Wollongong defeated Perth 97-90 in overtime at the WIN Entertainment Centre.

In game two on 7 April, Perth won 106-95 at the Perth Entertainment Centre to level the series.

Wollongong won the decider 98-88 in Perth on 10 April, with Harvey (6 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block) contributing as the Hawks eliminated the Wildcats.

2001/02
Harvey (14.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists across 12 games) contributed as Perth finished second with a 17-13 regular-season record.

West Sydney won the opening qualifying final 106-85 at the State Sports Centre on 27 March 2002, led by John Rillie (25 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists).

The Razorbacks completed the sweep with a 109-98 victory at the Perth Entertainment Centre on 30 March, eliminating Perth.

2002/03
In 2002, club legend and captain Andrew Vlahov retired after 12 seasons, leaving Ricky Grace as the only remaining Wildcat from the team’s early championships in the 1990s. Following Vlahov’s retirement, Grace became captain of the Wildcats (a role he retained until retirement) before the closure of the Perth Entertainment Centre saw the Wildcats return to their old home, the Superdrome (now HBF Stadium), for the 2002/03 season.

Vlahov’s retirement created an enormous gap in both leadership and frontcourt that seemed impossible to fill. However, as a result of the unexpected demise of the Victoria Titans, Vlahov’s fellow Australian Boomers teammate Tony Ronaldson would join the team and capably fill his role. Big man Brett Wheeler would also move across from Victoria to Perth and fill the shoes of the recently departed Paul Rogers, who had decided to return to his hometown 36ers.

The team would start the year with a 5-1 record, losing only to Wollongong, and Perth remained competitive despite losing Vlahov and Rogers. Import Rob Feaster (19.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists) would lead the team in scoring, while the recently acquired Wheeler (12.1 points and 8.6 rebounds) led the team in rebounds, and Ricky Grace (18.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 8.0 assists) led both the team and league in assists.

Harvey (14.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists across 37 games) contributed to a balanced offence. Stephen Black (12.6 points), Tony Ronaldson (12.0 points), and Matthew Burston (11.6 points) were also among Perth’s seven double-figure scorers.

As a result, the Wildcats were unbeatable at home, finishing with a 14-1 home record and ending the regular season on a four-game winning streak. Perth and Sydney ended the season with equal records (22-8) but due to the Kings having the head-to-head advantage (2-1), the Wildcats finished in second place, with the Kings claiming top spot.

Perth’s balanced roster earned several honours in 2003. Stephen Black won Sixth Man of the Year, Matthew Burston (11.6 points and 6.8 rebounds in 21 minutes per game, up from 2.3 points in 6 minutes the previous season) won Most Improved Player, and Grace made the All-NBL First Team for the fourth time.

Perth faced former teammate Paul Rogers and the Adelaide 36ers in a best-of-three qualifying-final series. In game one at Adelaide Arena on 8 March, Harvey (17 points) contributed alongside Grace (29 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists) as Perth won 119-116; Mark Nash (30 points) led Adelaide.

Adelaide recovered in game two at Challenge Stadium on 12 March, winning 99-91 to level the series. Martin Cattalini (22 points) and Brett Maher (22 points) contributed for the 36ers.

In the deciding game three at Challenge Stadium on 16 March, Grace (32 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists) led Perth to a 94-86 victory, sending the Wildcats through to the semifinals.

Perth then faced fourth-seeded Wollongong in the semifinals. In game one at Wollongong on 21 March, Grace (24 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists) helped Perth win 121-90.

In game two at Challenge Stadium, Grace (26 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Wheeler (27 points and 14 rebounds) led Perth to a 113-84 victory, completing the sweep and taking the Wildcats to their seventh Grand Final in 17 years.

Sydney advanced through best-of-three playoff series against Melbourne and Townsville to meet Perth in the Grand Final.

In Grand Final game one in Sydney, Grace (15 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists) recorded the second triple-double in an NBL Grand Final, but league MVP Chris Williams (26 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals on 12-of-23 shooting) helped the Kings win 98-94.

In Grand Final game two in Perth, Feaster (40 points, 15 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal, including 30 fourth-quarter points) kept the Wildcats in contention. Shane Heal (23 points, 9 rebounds, and 12 assists), Matt Nielsen (21 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks), and Williams (24 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists on 10-of-17 shooting) led Sydney to a 117-101 victory and its first NBL championship. Williams was unanimously named Finals MVP.

2003/04
Following the Grand Final loss to Sydney, Perth chose not to renew Alan Black’s contract and appointed club legend Mike Ellis as head coach. Black had previously coached Perth in 1990 and returned in 1998 to replace Adrian Hurley.

The Wildcats struggled to retain the 2002/03 Grand Final roster, with only five players returning for 2003/04. Captain Ricky Grace, Harvey, Tony Ronaldson, Matthew Burston, and Ben Thompson remained, while Brett Wheeler (Sydney) and the previous season’s leading scorer Rob Feaster (Victoria) departed after both were asked to accept a 30% pay cut. Imports Reed Rawlings and John Jackson joined, along with Travis Lane (via Sydney) and rookie Liam Rush.

After Perth lost its first two games, import Reed Rawlings (12.5 points and 2.5 rebounds) was replaced by Rashad Tucker (17.7 points, 9.6 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.3 steals). Following Grace’s injury, Tucker took over point-guard duties and set the single-season NBL triple-double record with six in his debut Wildcats campaign.

Harvey (20.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists across 33 games) became Perth’s leading scorer, improving his average by more than six points from 2002/03.

In Ellis’s only season as Perth coach, the Wildcats finished seventh with a 15-18 record, going 13-3 at home and 2-15 on the road. Perth faced Cairns at the Cairns Convention Centre in the elimination final on 3 March 2004. Harvey (26 points) led Perth alongside Tucker (24 points), but former Wildcat Anthony Stewart (30 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) led Cairns to a 103-96 win.

After the season, Harvey left Perth following unsuccessful contract negotiations. He played for Israeli club Maccabi Rishon LeZion in 2004 and re-signed for the 2004/05 Israeli season, departing in November 2004. He also played briefly for the Perth Redbacks before joining West Sydney in 2005.

2005/06
West Sydney entered the season following major departures. Steven Markovic left to play in Europe, Simon Dwight retired because of a chronic knee injury, and Sam Mackinnon joined Brisbane. Captain Scott McGregor was the only remaining player from the Razorbacks’ 2004 Grand Final side.

Coach Mark Watkins recruited Harvey following his overseas stint and return to the Perth Redbacks. Facing financial constraints, West Sydney relied on younger players and limited-budget recruiting.

Pero Vasiljevic and Rhys Carter joined alongside Graham Dann, Cameron Rigby, and Miles Pearce. Nick Horvath returned as an import, and Jermaine Blackburn was added later as the second import.

Horvath suffered a season-ending knee injury in the opener, while Harvey (21.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists across 11 games) led West Sydney’s scoring but missed much of the season through injuries. Jermaine Blackburn (18.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.5 steals) was released during the campaign.

The Razorbacks also recruited Casey Frank (6.3 points and 5.0 rebounds) and Joel Cornette (10.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.3 steals), but finished last with a 5-27 record.

2006/07
Still facing financial difficulties, West Sydney welcomed Harvey back after an injury-interrupted season. Coach Mark Watkins convinced young centre Julian Khazzouh to join the full-time roster rather than pursue a college scholarship and signed imports Justin Bailey and Cheikh Ya Ya Dia.

West Sydney struggled to improve its results and finished last for a second consecutive season with a 5-28 record.

There weren’t many moments to celebrate, but West Sydney beating Wollongong and breaking their 20-game losing streak against them was one of few. Six games after that, the Razorbacks thumped crosstown rivals, the Sydney Kings (106–75) at the Pig Pen, a game which saw Kings coach Brian Goorjian make history for coaching the most games in NBL history.

It was around this time the Razorbacks team owner, Canterbury-Bankstown Rugby League Club, withdrew its financial support with Tri Media Group later taking over the running of the club, which had almost folded. It also was around this time that Watkins was axed and replaced by Cal Bruton.

Harvey (20.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists across 27 games) led West Sydney in scoring again, while Liam Rush (14.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists) won Most Improved Player. Khazzouh (9.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 0.6 assists) finished runner-up in Rookie of the Year voting behind South Dragons forward Joe Ingles.

2007/08
Harvey signed with expansion club Gold Coast Blaze in May 2007 as one of its first major recruits and its inaugural captain.

Blaze coach Brendan Joyce, an Australian Boomers assistant coach, welcomed Harvey to Gold Coast.

“There is no questioning Harvey’s incredible talent on the court, with a career average of 14.4 points per game,” Gold Coast coach Joyce said on Harvey’s signing.

“Last season Harvey was eighth in points averages and he’s just as capable to now prove his worth at the Blaze. “We see Harvey forming a integral part in our offensive strategies and he’ll be given ample opportunities to shoot from the perimeter as well as penetrate to the basket,” he said.

Harvey (21.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists across 31 games) led Gold Coast’s scoring in its inaugural season. The Blaze finished eighth with a 15-15 record, losing 97-89 to Townsville in the elimination final on 20 February 2008. Harvey earned All-NBL Second Team honours.

2008/09
Harvey (19.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists across 28 games) remained a leading scorer for Gold Coast, but the Blaze finished tenth with an 8-22 record. Harvey earned All-NBL Third Team honours.

2009/10
Harvey (14.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.0 assists across 30 games) helped Gold Coast finish fourth at 16-12, qualifying for the semifinals against Perth.

In semifinal game one at Challenge Stadium on 18 February 2010, Harvey (18 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals) led the Blaze, but Perth won 81-68.

In game two at the Gold Coast Convention Centre on 23 February, Harvey (28 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block, including six three-pointers) led the Blaze, but Perth recovered to win 82-78 and complete a 2-0 semifinal sweep.

2010/11
Harvey (14.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists across 18 games) contributed for Gold Coast, which finished sixth at 13-15 and missed the playoffs.

2011/12
Harvey (10.5 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists across 8 games) appeared in eight NBL games as Gold Coast finished third with a 17-11 record.

The Blaze lost semifinal game one 85-70 to Perth at Challenge Stadium on 1 April 2012.

Gold Coast won semifinal game two 72-70 at home on 4 April to level the series.

Perth won the deciding game at Challenge Stadium on 7 April, defeating Gold Coast 88-67 and ending the Blaze’s season.

2012/13
After taking over as Kings coach midway through the previous season, Shane Heal rebuilt Sydney’s roster. The club lost leading rebounder Julian Khazzouh, Rookie of the Year Anatoly Bose, and import Jerai Grant to overseas opportunities.

Heal recruited former King Ian Crosswhite (via Cairns) to replace Khazzouh and Harvey (via Gold Coast) to strengthen the backcourt following Bose’s departure. Imports Corin Henry and Darnell Lazare also joined, while Aaron Bruce returned after a tibia injury limited his previous season.

After losing to Illawarra in the opening game of the season (76–79), the team delivered a strong start to the season, and by the time of the league’s All-Star break, Sydney (9-5) was sitting in third place on the ladder.

The Kings’ second half of the season wasn’t as successful, managing just three wins from their remaining 14 games. Due to the dominance of the New Zealand Breakers (24-4) and Perth Wildcats (22-6), every other team in the NBL finished the season with a losing record. Thus, in unusual fashion, despite having a losing record, the Kings finished in fourth place and returned to the playoffs for the first time since returning to the league in 2010.

Sydney faced New Zealand in the semifinals, losing game one 81-64 in Auckland.

The Breakers won game two 99-88 in Sydney to complete the semifinal sweep, before defeating Perth in the Grand Final.

Ben Madgen (18.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists) led the league in scoring, won Most Improved Player, and earned All-NBL First Team honours. Ian Crosswhite (10.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists) earned All-NBL Third Team honours before retiring. Harvey (12.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists across 12 games) was limited by injuries.

On 4 February 2013, Harvey was named in the Perth Wildcats 30th Anniversary All-Star team.

2013/14
Harvey (7.6 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists across 21 games) contributed in his final NBL season as Sydney finished fifth with a 12-16 record.

Harvey subsequently played overseas before ending his professional playing career in 2016.

James Harvey played fifteen seasons across four NBL teams. This included the Perth Wildcats, West Sydney Razorbacks, Gold Coast Blaze and Sydney Kings. He averaged 15.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2 assists in 349 NBL games.

CAREER RANKINGS:

– 41st in total points