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Keanu Pinder will be a Perth Wildcat for the next two seasons after inking a deal back in his home state.
The NBL's two-time reigning Move Improved Player will link up with the franchise following a season with Spanish team Fuenlabrada in the Liga ACB.
Pinder, who was born in Derby, Western Australia, began his basketball career with the Lakeside Lightning and East Perth Eagles before journeying to Poland via Legia Warszawa then back to the NBL with Adelaide and Cairns.
He was part of a Taipans side that went from the second-worst record in 2022 to finals contenders in 2023, before an orbital fracture ruled the star out of the playoffs.
Pinder is the only player in NBL history to win consecutive MIP awards and he says he's ecstatic to be playing in front of his family once again.
"It feels great to be able to play in front of my family and the best fans in the country," he said.
"I can't wait to get started and I feel like we're going to win a championship.
"Wildcats have such a rich culture and tradition of winning championships and I feel like I can be a part of that I think we will have the team to do it, I like the vision the club has for me and I think we're going to do well."
The acquisition of Pinder fills a hole left by NBA draftee Luke Travers, who informed the club of his desire to explore his options as a free agent this week.
Coach John Rillie said bringing in the 27-year-old fits the mould of bringing local, elite talent back to the Cats.
"Keanu has shown great improvement in his all-round game over the last few seasons, his desire to work and compete for a championship is what caught my attention," he said.
"He also rebounds at a high level so that addresses one of our weaknesses of last season."
