Judging by the amount of fans still sporting #8 singlets at Wildcats games, it’s easy to see Perth hasn’t forgotten about James Ennis.

And the feeling is very much mutual. The 2013-14 NBL championship hero returns to WA this week fresh from an impressive NBA campaign where he was elevated to the role of starter on a Memphis Grizzlies team that reached the play-offs.

He’ll resume the role of fan favourite in his brisk trip Down Under, hosting two basketball camps alongside Wildcats legend Ricky Grace on Saturday before heading to Sydney.

Play Video The Perth Wildcats have signed sharp-shooter, Devondrick Walker, who played for Utah Jazz at the NBA Summer League competitions. The West Australian Video The Perth Wildcats have signed sharp-shooter, Devondrick Walker, who played for Utah Jazz at the NBA Summer League competitions.

Speaking from the US, Ennis said the drive behind the clinics was the notion of giving back to the adoring “Red Army” supporters who helped provide the forward with such fond memories of his sole NBL season. “When I was at Perth, the fans supported me so much,” Ennis said.

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“I know a lot of kids supported me as well and bought my jersey. I love Perth and it’s great to get back.

“Kids have dreams like I had dreams, and they don’t always come across NBA players.”

Ennis last week caught up with Wildcats coach Trevor Gleeson in the middle of the club’s scouting trip in the US that has yielded the signatures of imports Devondrick Walker and the returning Bryce Cotton.

Camera Icon James Ennis during his Wildcats days. Credit: WA News, Steve Ferrier

Having helped blaze the trail for a string of high-profile overseas recruits to the NBL, Ennis said he was confident the trend would continue as Australia’s reputation grows on the world stage.

“A couple of NBA players came when I was there, and since I left, a lot more American players have gone over,” Ennis said. “I hope it’s opened people’s eyes that anything’s possible, and they won’t get lost (to the system) if they go to Australia.”

Ennis said he would look to improve his playmaking ahead of the Grizzlies’ next campaign.

For camp details, head to no1draftpick.com