BIO: Jordan Usher was born in Atlanta, Georgia (USA).

NBL EXPERIENCE

Jordan Usher made his NBL debut with the Perth Wildcats at 25 years of age. He scored 35 points in his first game.

After missing the NBL playoffs in 2023, the Perth Wildcats undertook a significant roster overhaul. Among the key departures was NBA prospect Luke Travers, who joined Melbourne United. In response, the Wildcats signed Keanu Pinder, a highly coveted free agent from Cairns, and promising rookie Ben Henshall. These acquisitions coincided with the team buying out contracts for Todd Blanchfield (to Illawarra) and Mitchell Norton (to Brisbane), signaling a commitment to rejuvenating the roster with younger talent.

Additionally, 18-year-old French sensation Alexandre Sarr joined Perth under the NBL’s Next Star Program, while imports Jordan Usher and Kristian Doolittle were added to bolster the team. Local product David Okwera (via Melbourne) signed a multi-year deal, further rounding out the roster. Usher, upon his arrival, made an ambitious declaration about his goals for the season.

“I’m a elite athlete, I get out in transition, I’m a top-tier defender and I’m trying to come get that Defensive Player Of the Year award over there,” he said.

Perth opened their campaign with a resounding victory over Tasmania, highlighted by a spectacular debut from Usher, who scored 35 points. This performance set a record for the most points ever scored by a Wildcat in their debut game and electrified the RAC Arena crowd.

However, the Wildcats soon encountered difficulties, enduring a four-game losing streak where Usher struggled to replicate his debut performance. In response, head coach John Rillie adjusted the lineup, moving Usher into a sixth-man role in favor of New Zealand’s Hyrum Harris. This shift, which took place on November 4, saw Usher rediscover his rhythm, reaching double figures in 15 of the next 24 games. His standout performances included a 23-point effort with four rebounds in an overtime loss to Melbourne United on December 23 and a 24-point, four-rebound, and five-assist showing in a victory over Sydney on January 21.

Reflecting on his transition to the bench, Usher demonstrated maturity and professionalism.

“It’s never a hit to the ego. You have to be resilient to that type of stuff, especially in-house or anything with my teammates or my own coaches. If that’s what we think is going to win more games, then I am all for it,” Usher remarked.

The team’s early struggles were also attributed to changes in offensive strategy. Bryce Cotton, the perennial league MVP, was initially marginalized in the offense as the system ran through guards Tai and Corey Webster. This adjustment even drew public criticism from Cotton’s wife, which made national headlines. Keanu Pinder took it upon himself to rally the team after a loss to the Brisbane Bullets, boldly predicting that the Wildcats would win their next five games. His declaration proved prophetic as Perth turned their season around.

From November 4 onward, Cotton broke out of his slump, scoring 29 points in a dominant win over Adelaide. He regained his MVP-caliber form, highlighted by a 41-point explosion against Sydney on December 1. During an eight-game stretch from December 15 to January 21, Cotton averaged 30.4 points, including four 30-point games, re-establishing himself as the league’s premier player. Cotton (22.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.5 steals) capped the season by claiming his fourth MVP award, surpassing Brisbane legend Leroy Loggins (three) and moving into outright second place behind Andrew Gaze (seven).

The Wildcats’ resurgence was also fueled by key moves from Rillie. Harris (5.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists) provided defensive stability in the starting lineup, while Usher (12.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists) embraced his sixth-man role, delivering instant energy and clutch performances. Coach Rillie frequently praised Usher’s professionalism, entrusting him with significant minutes in critical moments, such as the December 15 matchup against Tasmania.

Meanwhile, Sarr (9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks) showcased remarkable poise for an 18-year-old. In just his third NBL game, he hit two clutch triples in the final two minutes against Adelaide, stepping up after Pinder fouled out. By the season’s end, Sarr had solidified his status as a top NBA prospect, with many projecting him as the second overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.

Perth’s hot streak culminated in a second-place finish (17-11) and a return to the postseason. However, their playoff run ended in the semifinals against eventual champions Tasmania. Despite the disappointment, Usher’s impactful debut season and Perth’s mid-season turnaround provided optimism for the Wildcats’ future.

Jordan Usher played one season in the NBL. He averaged 12.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 31 NBL games.

Dan Boyce (817 Posts)

Dan Boyce is a die-hard Sydney Kings fan who grew up in Melbourne during the roaring 90's of Australian Basketball and spent far too much time collecting Futera NBL Basketball cards.