Cleveland Cavaliers boss Mike Gansey is headed to Australia to monitor the progress of second-round NBA pick Luke Travers.
The West Australian revealed Gansey was en route to WA to watch Travers suit up for the Perth Wildcats in two matches next week.
The first will be against Melbourne on Monday and the second against the Breakers on Friday.
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Travers was selected with 56th overall pick of the 2022 NBA Draft, but allowed to remain in the NBL in a bid to continue his development.
At just 21 years of age, the WA junior had long been on the NBA talent radar before finally getting the call to work out for eight teams last year pre-draft.
Eventually, it was the Cavs who came calling with Travers determined to make the most of his opportunity.
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“I was so focused on getting drafted but now it’s happened, I’ve experienced the Boomers and Summer League, now it’s a bit of a relief that it’s all over. I can just go out there and enjoy it which I sort of missed out on last year,” he told an ESPN podcast earlier this year.
“They’ve been watching my Boomers games (and) flicking me some texts here and there.
“To have that contact and support, knowing they’re watching my games is definitely a positive and definitely going into the future it gives me something to look forward to.”
Travers said he was committed to adding some weight to his frame while remaining in Australia as he eyes the 100kg playing mark.
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It’s not the first time a Cavs representative has headed down under to keep an eye on Travers – with scout Primoz Brecez courtside for the Wildcats’ win over New Zealand earlier this year.
Cleveland G-League boss Brendon Yu also travelled to Australia to watch Travers play in Darwin during the NBL pre-season in September.
“We want to make sure we’re doing what’s best for Luke but also what’s best for Perth,” Yu said at the time.
“We are set on our thoughts on what he needs to work on or improve and they’ve been awesome in terms of working with us saying, ‘yeah definitely we’re helping with this’ or ‘we can get better at that’.
“Seeing his versatility, his play-making ability, his vision … he makes quick decisions with the ball – it’s been fun to watch.
“He continues to grow and develop.
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“He does all the little things to help teams win and that’s what teams value in the NBA.”
Travers returned to Perth’s starting five in Friday night’s victory to spoil Adelaide legend Daniel Johnson’s 400th game.
He finished with eight points and four rebounds in his 21 minutes on court.
