Ben Purser to make Hawks History this Saturday July 3rd

On Saturday July 3^rd Perry Lakes Hawks Co-Captain Ben Purser will break the current all-time number of games played for the Perry Lakes Hawks passing Tanya Kelly’s record of 336 games. This is a huge achievement for the 31 year old Purser who started his basketball career playing for Subiaco Basketball club aged 5. He played his first SBL game for the Hawks, under John Gardiner in 2008 as an 18 year old.

Purser is one of the most decorated Hawks players with an impressive history of achievements. In 2018 he led his young team to a Men’s State Basketball League Championship picking up the game MVP on the way. Ben has been a Wildcats Development player and won a host of Most Valuable Player Awards for the Hawks.

Ben was named in the All Star SBL defensive 5 in 2016 ,2017, 2018 & 2019 and also the SBL All Star 5 in 2018. He was also named Most Improved in the SBL in 2009.

Currently a lawyer with Steinepreis Paganin, Purser balances his career with his training and playing schedule whilst mentoring the new generation of Hawks coming through.

Ben discusses his milestone,” Breaking the club’s games record means a lot to me. I started out in the Perry Lakes junior comp back in 1995 (when I was 5 years old) playing for Subiaco. I started WABL with the Hawks when I was 11 and played my first SBL game when I was 18. Most of my closest friends are those I met while playing basketball at the Hawks. For as long as I can remember, basketball and the Perry Lakes Hawks have been a significant part of my life.It’s also a huge honour passing the current record holder, Tanya Kelly – a club legend who had an amazing career. Someone I really respect and was a great role model when I first started playing SBL. Thanks to everyone who’s been along for the journey, particularly my parents (Andrew and Jenny) and fiancee, Sara. Hopefully I’ve been able to give as much back to the club as it’s given me over the years. Although 1 or 2 more championships before I call it a day would be nice!

Head Coach Matt Parsons describes Purser as a club legend. “Ben is a natural competitor, his application to his training standards and the purpose of which he competes is by far what’s makes him stand out from his peers. He has developed a remarkable ability to lead with influence, through his effort and standards he inspires his teammates to follow his example. He is fantastic person off the court, a very dry and very entertaining sense of humour but the most enduring part is he comes with an amazing sense of empathy and care for those around him. Ben will pass the most games played list for the club this week but more importantly in my opinion he will go down as the greatest Perry Lakes Hawk to ever pull on a jersey”

Co-Captain Rob Cassir is full of praise for his team mate. “Playing 337 games in our league is an amazing achievement. To play all of them for the same club is even more special, and has made Ben an integral part of the Perry Lakes Hawks. Over this time he has accomplished so much personally including leading the team to a championship in 2018. For him to have performed at the level he does, over so many years is a real testament to his abilities on the court, and his character. He always leads by example, and exemplifies our club values of pride, passion, perseverance, respect and leadership. He is an excellent role model for all the young Hawkies, a selfless team mate and great friend”.

Team mate Cooper Hamilton said, “Ben is one of those players I looked up to as a junior, he is what you aspired to be. He is without a doubt one of the best players to have ever played in the league and is an elite bloke on and off the court”.

The game on Saturday night should be a blockbuster * (see below) against the Mandurah Magic. This game will not only be a fantastic opportunity to see Ben in action but also former NBA player and Cairns Taipan superstar Scott Machado will take to floor for the Mandurah Magic. In the Women’s Game there will also be a special presentation to Mandurah Magic’s Casey Mihovilovich playing her 500th game.

Get behind your Hawks and see history in the making….

Career Average -Stats per Game

15.9 points , 3 free throws, 7.6 rebounds, 1 steal, 4.3 Assists per game

Overall Career Statistics in SBL/NBL1 West

5338 points scored
1016 Free throws made
2554 rebounds
361 Steals
99 Blocks
1450 Assists
191 3-pointers made

Career Highlights

Hawks MSBL Co-Captain 2018-present
Hawks MSBL Captain 2012-2017
2018 MSBL Championship and game MVP
MVP Hawks 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020
SBL All-Star 5 2018
SBL defensive 5 2016 2017, 2018 and 2019
2012/2013 & 2011/12 Wildcats Development Player
Gold medal U/19 Australian FIBA Oceania 2009
WA State Team member U16, U18, U20 – Silver medal in U18 State, Bronze medal in U20 State 2008
NCAA Division II Peach Belt Conference Champions 2010/11, Augusta State University