Jermaine Beal on Wildcats Championships (2014 & 2016), Life Lessons, and Becoming an Author
Description
Former Perth Wildcats star and 2014 NBL Grand Final MVP, Jermaine Beal, joins the podcast to reflect on his basketball journey—from his standout college days at Vanderbilt, to his championship-winning years in the NBL, and beyond.
We dive into his time playing alongside future NBA and NBL talent like Festus Ezeli and AJ Ogilvy, his experiences in the NBA Summer League, and his journey through professional leagues in Europe and South America before landing in Australia. Beal shares his insights on playing for the Wildcats under Trevor Gleeson, winning two NBL championships, and setting records—including becoming the first player in the NBL's 40-minute era to hit 10 three-pointers in a single game, a feat that’s since been matched by Chris Goulding, Bryce Cotton, and Dejan Vasiljevic.
Beal also opens up about his short-lived stint with the Brisbane Bullets, the challenges of being released mid-season, and his final years playing in Belgium and Israel before transitioning into coaching.
Topics Include:
- What is Jermaine doing now, and thoughts on the legacy of the Wildcats' 2014 and 2016 championship teams (2:00 )
- His thoughts on how the NBL has changed since he played here (7:00 )
- Transitioning from college to pro basketball and the challenges of overseas leagues (9:00 )
- Playing overseas in Poland, Belguim, Germany, Brazil and comparing them to Australia (11:30 )
- How Jermaine was recruited by Trevor Gleeson and the Perth Wildcats (13:30 )
- Forming a lethal duo with future NBA talent James Ennis (15:00 )
- His cold start to his first year in the league and how he turned it around to win Grand Final MVP honors and the championship by season's end (17:00 )
- Returning for season two in 2015 and falling short in the playoffs (24:00 )
- His third year with Perth and teaming with Casey Prather to win his second title (32:00 )
- Leaving Perth to play with the Brisbane Bullets (38:00 )
- Reflections on his career highlights and biggest challenges (45:00 )
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Head to Aussie Hoopla to check out previous podcasts featuring:
- Australian Basketball Legends: Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, Sam MacKinnon, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin, Brad Newley
- Current NBL Stars: Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Xavier Cooks, Tyler Harvey, Dejan Vasiljevic, Jordan Hunter, Flynn Cameron, Keli Leaupepe, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Luke Travers, Sam Froling, Jesse Wagstaff
- Our Finest Coaching Minds: Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Adam Forde, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer
- NBA Stars Past & Present: Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Jack McVeigh, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Jack White, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton
- The NBL's Greatest Imports: Leroy Loggins, Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Cal Bruton, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Dwayne McClain, Darnell Mee, Shawn Redhage, Al Green, Steve Woodberry, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch
- The Men In Control: Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chris Pongrass, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner, Danny Mills
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