Hawks games record holder Ben Purser has announced his retirement

 

Ben Purser, the Perry Lakes Hawks all time games record holder – 393 games – has announced his retirement from NBL1 

Ben’s journey at Hawks began when he joined the Subiaco Junior Basketball Club as a 6 year old, continuing through the WABL ranks to SBL in 2008.

In 2008 under the tutelage of coach John Gardiner, Ben received his first contract as an 18-year-old and his SBL /NBL1 career continued for another 16 seasons, including being appointed captain in 2012 of the Men’s team, the youngest captain in Hawks history.

He continued in this role until he was joined in 2018 by Rob Cassir as co-captain, until end of season 2022, when Mitch Clarke took over as co-captain with him for the 2023 season.

Purser is one of the most decorated Hawks players with an impressive history of achievements.   In 2018, along with his co-captain Rob Cassir, led his young team to a Men’s State Basketball League Championship picking up the game MVP on the way.  He and Rob then led the team in 2021 to a the inaugural NBL1 West Championship.

     

Ben has been a Wildcats Development player and won a host of John Gardiner Most Valuable Player Awards for the Hawks – 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018 & 2019.  He was named in the All Star SBL defensive 5 in 2016 ,2017, 2018 & 2019 and the SBL All Star 5 in 2018 and was also named Most Improved in the SBL in 2009.

With his wife Sara expecting their first child in late January and a career in law with Steinepreis & Paganin, now seemed the right time to hand the baton over to the new generation of young Hawks to continue his legacy.

The Hawks will miss the experience and leadership of Ben, but he can be very satisfied with his 16-year career with the Hawks, as he will have left everything  on the court.

Perry Lakes Hawks wish Ben the very best in his retirement and impending fatherhood and hope to see him at some of the 2024 games with his new addition.

Overall Career Statistics in SBL/NBL1 West

Career Average –Stats per Game

15.1 points, 3 free throws, 7.3 rebounds, 1steal, 4.3 Assists per game

• 5934 points scored
• 1114 Free throws made
• 2854 rebounds
• 418 Steals103 Blocks
• 1707 Assists
• 230 3-pointers made

Career Highlights

• Hawks MSBL Co-Captain 2018-2023
• Hawks MSBL Captain 2012-2017
• 2018 MSBL Championship and game MVP
• MVP Hawks 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018 & 2019
• 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 U20State 2008
• NCAA Division II Peach Belt Conference Champions 2010/11, Augusta State University