NBL1 duo Clarke and Sapwell earn NBL contracts on eve of season

NBL1 duo Mitchell Clarke and Koen Sapwell will be suiting up in the NBL this season, after inking Development Player deals with the Perth Wildcats and South East Melbourne Phoenix, respectively. 

Clarke comes into the NBL after winning a championship with the Perry Lakes Hawks in NBL1 West. 

In that campaign, he averaged 13.12 points, 4.16 assists and 4.48 rebounds per game. 

After being part of the Wildcats Academy for a number of years, Clarke got his chance to impress at the NBL Blitz and consequently earned his chance at the elite level.

"It’s awesome. I’ve been around for four years so to be rewarded and get the opportunity to play is amazing. It’s been my goal for a long time," Clarke said.

"Playing at the Blitz, being able to hold my own and contribute to the team, really validated my belief that I could play at this level."

Sapwell starred for the Chargers in NBL1 South with averages of 16.66 points, 1.66 dimes and 3.80 boards per game.

He is the son of NBL legend Rupert Sapwell, who was a member of the South East Melbourne Magic for two seasons. 

The 6'3 guard said he was grateful for the opportunity to follow in his father's footsteps.

"I have been working on some stuff for a while to get a position like this, so I am pretty happy and stoked to be here," he said.

"It’s been unreal…I can learn off the guys with that sort of calibre (Mitch Creek, Kyle Adnam and Ryan Broekhoff), pick their brains all the time.

"From day one, they have been super welcoming and taking me under their wing."