Luke Travers

Travers was born in the Perth southern suburb of Rockingham.{{cite web|first=Craig|last=O'Donoghue|title=Perth Wildcats star Luke Travers on being drafted to NBA by Cleveland Cavaliers and pride in Rockingham|url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/perth-wildcats/perth-wildcats-star-luke-travers-on-being-drafted-to-nba-by-cleveland-cavaliers-and-pride-in-rockingham-c-8393085|website=TheWest.com.au|date=1 October 2022|access-date=1 October 2022|url-access=subscription}} He attended Port Kennedy Primary School and Willetton Senior High School.{{cite web|first=Cameron|last=Newbold|title=NASHS schoolboys best in the West|url=https://www.albanyadvertiser.com.au/news/albany-advertiser/nashs-schoolboys-best-in-the-west-ng-b881303126z|website=AlbanyAdvertiser.com.au|date=27 August 2019|access-date=29 August 2024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210626061448/https://www.albanyadvertiser.com.au/news/albany-advertiser/nashs-schoolboys-best-in-the-west-ng-b881303126z|archive-date=26 June 2021|url-status=live|quote=...to set up a grand final against Willetton Senior High School, featuring 197cm Perth Wildcats development player Luke Travers.}}{{cite web|title=Player statistics for Luke Travers|url=https://websites.sportstg.com/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=204008408&client=0-8979-134640-512477-26372986|work=Australian Schools Championships|access-date=29 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626061807/https://websites.sportstg.com/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=204008408&client=0-8979-134640-512477-26372986|archive-date=26 June 2021|url-status=live}} He played basketball for the Rockingham Flames as a junior{{cite web|title=Feature Athlete: Luke Travers|url=https://www.aussieprospects.com/feature-athlete-luke-travers|website=AussieProspects.com|year=2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626062105/https://www.aussieprospects.com/feature-athlete-luke-travers|archive-date=26 June 2021}} and was childhood friends with AFL player Luke Jackson.{{cite web|first=Ben|last=Smith|title=Cut the B.S: From high school to the big time, Luke Travers and Luke Jackson's paths forever entwined|url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/opinion/cut-the-bs-from-high-school-to-the-big-time-luke-travers-and-luke-jacksons-paths-forever-entwined-c-7306476|website=PerthNow.com.au|date=30 June 2022|access-date=29 August 2024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220701063853/https://www.perthnow.com.au/opinion/cut-the-bs-from-high-school-to-the-big-time-luke-travers-and-luke-jacksons-paths-forever-entwined-c-7306476|archive-date=1 July 2022|url-status=live}}

File:Luke Travers 2017.jpg

Travers made his senior debut for the Rockingham Flames in the State Basketball League (SBL) in 2017. He saw action in five games and totaled five points.{{cite web|title=Player statistics for Luke Travers – SBL 2017|url=https://websites.sportstg.com/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=202883066&client=0-5011-83382-555108-26389663&ocompID=444191|website=SBL.asn.au|access-date=29 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626062621/https://websites.sportstg.com/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=202883066&client=0-5011-83382-555108-26389663&ocompID=444191|archive-date=26 June 2021|url-status=live}} In 2018, he played five games during the regular season and then all five games during the finals, helping the Flames sweep the Geraldton Buccaneers 2–0 in the quarter-finals and averaging 14.7 points during the 2–1 semi-final series loss to the Perry Lakes Hawks.{{cite web|title=Player statistics for Luke Travers – SBL 2018|url=https://websites.sportstg.com/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=202883066&client=0-5011-83382-555108-26389663&ocompID=477424|website=SBL.asn.au|access-date=29 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626062948/https://websites.sportstg.com/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=202883066&client=0-5011-83382-555108-26389663&ocompID=477424|archive-date=26 June 2021|url-status=live}} That year, he was named Male WABL Player of the Year.{{cite web|title=2018 BASKETBALL WA AWARDS|url=https://basketballwa.asn.au/2018-basketball-wa-awards/|website=BasketballWA.asn.au|date=9 September 2018|access-date=1 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327185706/https://basketballwa.asn.au/2018-basketball-wa-awards/|archive-date=27 March 2020|url-status=live}} In 2019, he played 18 games for the Flames and averaged 11.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.{{cite web|title=Player statistics for Luke Travers – SBL 2019|url=https://websites.sportstg.com/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=202883066&client=0-5011-83382-555108-26389663&ocompID=515220|website=SBL.asn.au|access-date=29 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626063337/https://websites.sportstg.com/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=202883066&client=0-5011-83382-555108-26389663&ocompID=515220|archive-date=26 June 2021|url-status=live}} He was an integral player for the Flames in 2019, starting a number of games but often used as the sixth man off the bench.{{cite web|first=Stuart|last=Horton|title=Rockingham Flames young gun Travers signs with Perth Wildcats|url=https://www.soundtelegraph.com.au/news/perth/rockingham-flames-young-gun-travers-signs-with-perth-wildcats-ng-b881276291z|website=SoundTelegraph.com.au|date=1 August 2019|access-date=29 August 2024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210626064250/https://www.soundtelegraph.com.au/news/perth/rockingham-flames-young-gun-travers-signs-with-perth-wildcats-ng-b881276291z|archive-date=26 June 2021|url-status=live}} He was subsequently named the SBL Most Improved Player.{{cite web|title=2019 SBL AWARDS|url=https://sbl.asn.au/2019/09/11/2019-sbl-awards/|website=SBL.asn.au|date=11 September 2019|access-date=11 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190911103414/https://sbl.asn.au/2019/09/11/2019-sbl-awards/|archive-date=11 September 2019|url-status=live}}

In 2018, Travers helped break a 17-year drought for Western Australia, winning gold at the Under 18 National Championships.{{cite web|title=Young gun Luke Travers signed as development player|url=https://www.wildcats.com.au/news/article/young-gun-luke-travers-signed-as-development-player|website=Wildcats.com.au|date=1 August 2019|access-date=26 June 2021}}

On 1 August 2019, Travers signed with the Perth Wildcats as a development player for the 2019–20 NBL season. His elite athleticism and ability to play multiple positions made him an attractive option for the Wildcats. Regarded as one of Australia's most sought-after basketball prospects, he had interest from a number of colleges in the United States, but indicated his desire to turn professional due to a lack of motivation at school.{{cite web|first=Ben|last=Smith|title=Cougars young gun hoping to traverse the path to professionalism|url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/community-news/cockburn-gazette/cougars-young-gun-hoping-to-traverse-the-path-to-professionalism-c-895131|website=PerthNow.com.au|date=26 November 2019|access-date=29 August 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210626070948/https://www.perthnow.com.au/community-news/cockburn-gazette/cougars-young-gun-hoping-to-traverse-the-path-to-professionalism-c-895131|archive-date=26 June 2021}} In his debut for the Wildcats on 1 December 2019, he had three points, four assists and two rebounds in roughly 11 minutes in a 99–88 loss to the Adelaide 36ers.{{cite web|first=Craig|last=O'Donoghue|title=Perth Wildcats stunned in home blowout with loss to Adelaide|url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/perth-wildcats/perth-wildcats-stunned-in-home-blowout-with-loss-to-adelaide-ng-b881398608z|website=PerthNow.com.au|date=1 December 2019|access-date=29 August 2024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210626065410/https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/perth-wildcats/perth-wildcats-stunned-in-home-blowout-with-loss-to-adelaide-ng-b881398608z|archive-date=26 June 2021|url-status=live}} On 20 December 2019, he opted to forgo college basketball and begin his professional career, signing a three-year contract extension with the Wildcats.{{cite web|title=Luke Travers signs long term contract with Wildcats|url=https://www.wildcats.com.au/news/article/luke-travers-signs-long-term-deal-with-wildcats|website=Wildcats.com.au|date=20 December 2019|access-date=26 June 2021}}{{cite web|title=Luke Travers Signs Long-Term Deal with Wildcats|url=https://nbl.com.au/news/luke-travers-signs-long-term-deal-with-wildcats|website=NBL.com.au|date=20 December 2019|access-date=26 June 2021}} He played four games during the season{{cite web|title=Luke Travers|url=https://basketball.realgm.com/player/Luke-Travers/Summary/133808|website=RealGM.com|access-date=29 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626070241/https://basketball.realgm.com/player/Luke-Travers/Summary/133808|archive-date=26 June 2021|url-status=live}} and was a member of the Wildcats' championship-winning squad in March 2020.{{cite web|title=Perth Wildcats Back-to-Back NBL Champions|url=http://www.wildcats.com.au/news/article/perth-wildcats-back-to-back-nbl-champions|website=Wildcats.com.au|date=19 March 2020|access-date=19 March 2020}}{{cite web|title=Perth Wildcats Crowned NBL20 Champions|url=https://nbl.com.au/news/perth-wildcats-crowned-nbl20-champions|website=NBL.com.au|date=19 March 2020|access-date=19 March 2020}}

Travers joined the Cockburn Cougars in 2020,{{cite news |last1=Horton |first1=Stuart |title=Travers leaves Flames as Cougars pounce on young star |url=https://www.soundtelegraph.com.au/news/perth/travers-leaves-rockingham-flames-as-cockburn-cougars-pounce-on-young-star-ng-b881356798z |access-date=17 December 2024 |work=Sound Telegraph |date=21 October 2019 |language=en}} where he averaged 17.8 points, 14.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.2 blocks in five games during the West Coast Classic.{{cite web|title=Player statistics for Luke Travers – WCC 2020|url=https://websites.sportstg.com/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=202883066&client=0-5011-83382-555108-26389663|website=SBL.asn.au|access-date=29 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626070742/https://websites.sportstg.com/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=202883066&client=0-5011-83382-555108-26389663|archive-date=26 June 2021|url-status=live}}

Continuing on as a development player in the 2020–21 NBL season, Travers was thrust into a much larger role early on, starting in both of the Wildcats' pre-season games against the Illawarra Hawks.{{cite web|first=Michael|last=Houben|title=NBL21 Prospect Watch: 17 names you should know this season|url=https://pickandroll.com.au/p/nbl-2021-prospect-watch|website=PickAndRoll.com.au|date=8 January 2021|access-date=8 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607065041/https://pickandroll.com.au/p/nbl-2021-prospect-watch|archive-date=7 June 2021|url-status=live}} While mostly a traditional wing player, he added strength to his frame over the off-season and was assigned the starting power forward role. He was replaced in the starting line-up by Jarred Bairstow midway through the season,{{cite web|first=Craig|last=O'Donoghue|title=Bustling Perth Wildcat Jarred Bairstow still pinching himself amid incredible move into starting five|url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/basketball/bustling-perth-wildcat-jarred-bairstow-still-pinching-himself-amid-incredible-move-into-starting-five-ng-b881816462z|website=TheWest.com.au|date=10 March 2021|access-date=26 June 2021|url-access=subscription|quote=The Wildcats had been starting with teenage Development Player Luke Travers in the opening games. But after beginning the season strongly...}} with Travers later stating he got complacent in the role and was forced to work his way back into starting contention.{{cite web|title=Luke Travers Press Conference - 13 June 2021|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geRS-YoRYyE|work=YouTube|publisher=Perth Wildcats|date=13 June 2021|access-date=26 June 2021}} On 28 March 2021, he went 6-of-6 from the field for 16 points off the bench in an 89–65 win over the Sydney Kings.{{cite web|first=Matt|last=Encarnacion|title=Perth Wildcats win exposes NBL gap: Kings|url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/basketball/perth-wildcats-win-exposes-nbl-gap-kings-c-2458122|website=TheWest.com.au|date=28 March 2021|access-date=28 March 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210626083502/https://thewest.com.au/sport/basketball/perth-wildcats-win-exposes-nbl-gap-kings-c-2458122|archive-date=26 June 2021|url-status=live}} A season-ending injury to Bryce Cotton saw Travers return to the starting line-up as a guard at the back-end of the regular season and in the semi-finals.{{cite web|title=Australian basketball great Shane Heal says Melbourne United to 'sweep' Perth Wildcats|url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/perth-wildcats/australia-basketball-great-shane-heal-says-melbourne-united-to-sweep-perth-wildcats-c-3139487|website=PerthNow.com.au|date=17 June 2021|access-date=17 June 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210626074521/https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/perth-wildcats/australia-basketball-great-shane-heal-says-melbourne-united-to-sweep-perth-wildcats-c-3139487|archive-date=26 June 2021|url-status=live|quote=Cotton's absence forced coach Trevor Gleeson to rely on his bench, most notably 19-year-old development player Luke Travers was thrust into a starting role over the three games and delivered 10.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and three assists per game.}} On 27 May, he had 16 points and eight rebounds in an 81–67 win over the Kings.{{cite web|title=Bryce-less Wildcats too much at home for Kings|url=https://nbl.com.au/news/bryce-less-wildcats-too-much-at-home-for-kings|website=NBL.com.au|date=27 May 2021|access-date=26 June 2021|quote=Development player Luke Travers was back to start and made the most of it setting a new career-high and he was the player kept the 'Cats on top during the third quarter finishing with 16 points and eight rebounds on 7/10 shooting.}} In the 2–1 semi-final series win over Illawarra, Travers averaged 10.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and three assists per game. He went on to miss the first two games of the grand final series against Melbourne United with a calf injury,{{cite web|first=Josh|last=Garlepp|title=Perth Wildcats dealt massive blow with Luke Travers ruled out for grand final series opener|url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/basketball/perth-wildcats-dealt-massive-blow-with-luke-travers-ruled-out-for-grand-final-series-opener-c-3150703|website=PerthNow.com.au|date=18 June 2021|access-date=18 June 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210626074951/https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/basketball/perth-wildcats-dealt-massive-blow-with-luke-travers-ruled-out-for-grand-final-series-opener-c-3150703|archive-date=26 June 2021|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Josh|last=Garlepp|title=Perth Wildcats' Luke Travers and Clint Steindl cleared for game three of grand final series against Melbourne United|url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/nbl/perth-wildcats-luke-travers-and-clint-steindl-cleared-for-game-three-of-grand-final-series-against-melbourne-united-c-3222280|website=TheWest.com.au|date=25 June 2021|access-date=25 June 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210626075313/https://thewest.com.au/sport/nbl/perth-wildcats-luke-travers-and-clint-steindl-cleared-for-game-three-of-grand-final-series-against-melbourne-united-c-3222280|archive-date=26 June 2021|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Finals Breakout Performers|url=https://www.wildcats.com.au/news/finals-breakout-performers|work=Wildcats.com.au|date=28 June 2021|access-date=29 June 2021}} returning in game three to record nine points and six rebounds off the bench in an 81–76 series-ending loss.{{cite web|title=United secure NBL21 championship on home court|url=https://nbl.com.au/news/united-secure-nbl21-championship-on-home-court|website=NBL.com.au|date=25 June 2021|access-date=25 June 2021}}{{cite web|title=So proud of the boys: Gleeson|url=https://www.wildcats.com.au/news/so-proud-of-the-boys-gleeson|website=Wildcats.com.au|date=25 June 2021|access-date=25 June 2021}}

On 1 July 2021, Travers signed with the Mandurah Magic for the rest of the 2021 NBL1 West season.{{cite web|title=Breaking News|url=https://www.facebook.com/mandurahbasketball/posts/193672566095982|website=Facebook.com/mandurahbasketball|date=1 July 2021|access-date=1 July 2021}}{{cite web|title=Luke Travers signs at Magic|url=https://www.australiabasket.com/Australia/news/691909/Luke-Travers-signs-at-Magic|website=AustraliaBasket.com|date=1 July 2021|access-date=1 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702022949/https://www.australiabasket.com/Australia/news/691909/Luke-Travers-signs-at-Magic|archive-date=2 July 2021|url-status=live}} However, he was never cleared by the Wildcats medical staff to play for Mandurah.{{cite web|title=NBL1 West Recap | Friday Men's Finals Week 1|url=https://nbl1.com.au/news/nbl1-west-recap-or-friday-mens-finals-week-1/west/|website=NBL1.com.au|date=21 August 2021|access-date=21 August 2021|quote=...the Magic signed Cairns Taipans NBL superstar Scott Machado and rising Perth Wildcats star Luke Travers. ... However, things didn't quite go to plan with Travers never being cleared by the Wildcats medical staff to play...}}

Travers entered the 2021–22 NBL season as a fully contracted player{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Pike|title=This 20yo could be Aussie basketball’s next big thing… and his NBA dream is within reach|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/basketball/nbl-news-2022-luke-travers-nba-draft-interview-with-perth-wildcats-star-height-weight/news-story/068f6be0748057c5e0194e28f3bc472a|website=FoxSports.com.au|date=3 February 2022|access-date=17 March 2022|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204055036/https://www.foxsports.com.au/basketball/nbl-news-2022-luke-travers-nba-draft-interview-with-perth-wildcats-star-height-weight/news-story/068f6be0748057c5e0194e28f3bc472a|archive-date=4 February 2022}} and earned the rank of number 83 in ESPN's top 100 NBA draft rankings.{{cite web|title=Travers has "a lot" of NBA fans|url=https://nbl.com.au/news/travers-has-a-lot-of-nba-fans|website=NBL.com.au|date=6 January 2022|access-date=6 January 2022}} On 5 December 2021, he had a career-high 14 rebounds in the Wildcats' 90–67 win over the Cairns Taipans.{{cite web|title=Cotton Fires as Wildcats Overpower Snakes|url=https://nbl.com.au/news/cotton-fires-as-wildcats-overpower-snakes|website=NBL.com.au|date=5 December 2021|access-date=6 December 2021}}{{cite web|title=Cotton explodes for 31 as Wildcats crush Taipans|url=https://www.wildcats.com.au/news/cotton-explodes-for-31-as-wildcats-crush-taipans|website=Wildcats.com.au|date=5 December 2021|access-date=6 December 2021|quote=Luke Travers had a career-high 14 rebounds to go with six points...}} On 5 February 2022, he scored a career-high 24 points in a 101–79 win over the South East Melbourne Phoenix.{{cite web|title=Travers Has Career Night as Wildcats Beat Phoenix|url=https://nbl.com.au/news/travers-has-career-night-as-wildcats-beat-phoenix|website=NBL.com.au|date=5 February 2022|access-date=5 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220205113106/https://nbl.com.au/news/travers-has-career-night-as-wildcats-beat-phoenix|archive-date=5 February 2022|url-status=live}} He averaged 7.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.7 blocks per game during the 2021–22 season, playing both inside and outside roles while also periodically running the offense.{{cite web|title=USA-bound Travers to chase NBA dream|url=https://www.wildcats.com.au/news/usa-bound-travers-to-chase-nba-dream|website=Wildcats.com.au|date=28 April 2022|access-date=28 April 2022}}

On 24 April 2022, Travers declared for the 2022 NBA draft.{{cite web|first=Kane|last=Pitman|title=Aussie forward Luke Travers nominates for 2022 NBA draft|url=https://www.espn.com.au/nbl/story/_/id/33796897/aussie-forward-luke-travers-nominates-2022-nba-draft|website=ESPN.com.au|date=24 April 2022|access-date=24 April 2022|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424165654/https://www.espn.com.au/nbl/story/_/id/33796897/aussie-forward-luke-travers-nominates-2022-nba-draft|archive-date=24 April 2022}} He was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the 56th overall pick.{{cite web|title=Cavaliers Select Ochai Agbaji with the 14th Overall Pick in 2022 NBA Draft|url=https://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/releases-draft-welcome-220623|website=NBA.com|date=23 June 2022|access-date=24 June 2022}} He joined the Cavaliers for the 2022 NBA Summer League,{{cite web|title=Cavaliers Announce 2022 Summer League Roster|url=https://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/releases-summer-league-roster-220701|website=NBA.com|date=1 July 2022|access-date=3 July 2022}} where he averaged 6.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks in five games.{{cite web|title=Luke Travers|url=https://basketball.realgm.com/player/Luke-Travers/Summary/133808|website=RealGM′.com|access-date=19 July 2022}}

Travers re-joined the Wildcats for the 2022–23 NBL season.{{cite web|title=Luke Travers will play for the Wildcats in 2022/23|url=https://www.wildcats.com.au/news/luke-travers-will-play-for-the-wildcats-in-202223|website=Wildcats.com.au|date=19 July 2022|access-date=19 July 2022}} He helped the Wildcats return to the finals by recording 22 points, 11 rebounds and six assists in the regular-season finale against the Sydney Kings.{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Woods|title=Road Warrior Wildcats Ready to Go All the Way|url=https://nbl.com.au/news/road-warrior-wildcats-ready-to-go-all-the-way|website=NBL.com.au|date=8 February 2023|access-date=8 February 2023}} In 29 games, he averaged 9.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.1 steals per game.{{cite web|title=Luke Travers|url=https://nbl.com.au/player/3692/1296107/luke-travers|website=NBL.com.au|access-date=28 March 2023}}

Travers parted ways with the Wildcats on 30 March 2023.{{cite web|title=Thank you, Luke Travers|url=https://www.wildcats.com.au/news/thank-you-luke-travers|website=Wildcats.com.au|date=30 March 2023|access-date=30 March 2023}}

On 17 April 2023, Travers signed a three-year deal with Melbourne United.{{cite web|title=Luke Travers stands United for NBL24|url=https://www.melbourneutd.com.au/news/luke-travers-stands-united-for-nbl24|website=MelbourneUtd.com.au|date=17 April 2023|access-date=17 April 2023}}{{cite web|title=Josh Giddey breaks major NBL move|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/au/nba/news/josh-giddey-breaks-major-nbl-move/lwnsabdtyazqwq45bh6cnrys|website=TheSportingNews.com|date=17 April 2023|access-date=17 April 2023}}{{cite news|first=Olgun|last=Uluc|title=Luke Travers signs with Melbourne United in effort to be NBA ready|url=https://www.espn.com/nbl/story/_/id/36211221|website=ESPN.com|date=17 April 2023|access-date=30 April 2023}} Three months later, he helped the Cleveland Cavaliers win the 2023 NBA Summer League championship.{{cite web|title=NBA Summer League: NBL Player Roster Tracker|url=https://nbl.com.au/news/nba-summer-league-nbl-player-roster-tracker|website=NBL.com.au|date=25 June 2023|access-date=26 June 2023}}{{cite web|first=Craig|last=O'Donoghue|title=Perth Wildcats coach John Rillie joins Keanu Pinder, Luke Travers and Fleur McIntyre at NBA Summer League|url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/perth-wildcats/perth-wildcats-coach-john-rillie-joins-keanu-pinder-luke-travers-and-fleur-mcintyre-at-nba-summer-league-c-11183350|website=TheWest.com.au|date=5 July 2023|access-date=5 July 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230705131038/https://thewest.com.au/sport/perth-wildcats/perth-wildcats-coach-john-rillie-joins-keanu-pinder-luke-travers-and-fleur-mcintyre-at-nba-summer-league-c-11183350|archive-date=5 July 2023|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Woods|title=Travers Shines in Summer League Success|url=https://nbl.com.au/news/travers-shines-in-summer-league-success|website=NBL.com.au|date=18 July 2023|access-date=18 July 2023}} He played in each of Cleveland's five games, averaging 7.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 2.2 blocks per game.

While initially signed by United to fill a power forward role, Travers was trialled as a point guard during pre-season.{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Woods|title=Travers to run point|url=https://nbl.com.au/news/travers-to-run-point|website=NBL.com.au|date=10 August 2023|access-date=10 August 2023}} In his debut for United on 28 September 2023, he scored a game-high 20 points in an 82–67 win over the South East Melbourne Phoenix.{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Woods|title=Dellavedova fires United to derby win in NBL opener|url=https://nbl.com.au/news/dellavedova-fires-united-to-derby-win-in-nbl-opener|website=NBL.com.au|date=28 September 2023|access-date=28 September 2023}} In game one of United's semi-finals series against the Illawarra Hawks, Travers had 24 points and eight rebounds in a 115–106 overtime win.{{cite web|title=United veteran leads charge to down Hawks|url=https://nbl.com.au/news/united-veteran-leads-charge-to-down-hawks|website=NBL.com.au|date=7 March 2024|access-date=7 March 2024}} In 36 games (34 starts) during the 2023–24 NBL season, he averaged 12.4 points on .517 shooting from the field, 7.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.33 blocks and 1.17 steals in 27.0 minutes.{{cite web|title=Cavaliers Sign Luke Travers to Two-Way Contract|url=https://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/releases-luke-travers-two-way-240828|website=NBA.com|date=28 August 2024|access-date=29 August 2024}}

On 7 August 2024, United granted Travers a release from his contract to pursue NBA opportunities.{{cite web|title=United release Travers to explore NBA opportunities|url=https://www.melbourneutd.com.au/news/united-release-travers-to-explore-nba-opportunities|website=MelbourneUtd.com.au|date=7 August 2024|access-date=7 August 2024}}

In July 2024, Travers re-joined the Cleveland Cavaliers for the 2024 NBA Summer League{{cite web|title=Travers' ASAP NBA timeline|url=https://nbl.com.au/news/travers-asap-nba-timeline|website=NBL.com.au|date=8 July 2024|access-date=10 July 2024}} and on 28 August, he signed a two-way contract with the team,{{cite web|title=Travers to sign two-way NBA deal|url=https://nbl.com.au/news/travers-to-sign-two-way-nba-deal|website=NBL.com.au|date=28 August 2024|access-date=29 August 2024}} splitting the 2024–25 season with the Cavaliers' NBA G League affiliate, the Cleveland Charge. He appeared in all four preseason games for the Cavaliers.{{cite news |last1=Hersz |first1=Tom |title=Travers: "No excuses" in NBA journey |url=https://nbl.com.au/news/travers-no-excuses-in-nba-journey |access-date=31 October 2024 |work=NBL Official Website |date=30 October 2024}} He made his NBA debut on 1 November 2024 against the Orlando Magic, playing the last four minutes of the game and finished with four points, two rebounds, two assists and one block in a 120–109 win.{{cite news |title=Cavaliers 120-109 Magic (1 Nov, 2024) Box Score |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/gameId/401704699 |access-date=2 November 2024 |work=ESPN |date=1 November 2024 |language=en}}{{cite web|last=O'Donoghue|first=Craig|url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/basketball/former-perth-wildcat-luke-travers-makes-stunning-nba-debut-for-cleveland-cavaliers-c-16612927|title=Former Perth Wildcat Luke Travers makes stunning NBA debut for Cleveland Cavaliers|work=The West Australian|date=2 November 2024|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20241102024704/https://thewest.com.au/sport/basketball/former-perth-wildcat-luke-travers-makes-stunning-nba-debut-for-cleveland-cavaliers-c-16612927|archive-date=2 November 2024}} On 13 December, he recorded his first career triple-double with 25 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds with two blocks in 38 minutes in the Charge's 141–131 win over the Wisconsin Herd.{{cite news |title=Charge Mark Public Hall Debut With Win |url=https://cleveland.gleague.nba.com/news/charge-mark-public-hall-debut-with-win |access-date=17 December 2024 |work=Charge Basketball |date=14 December 2024 |language=en}}{{cite web|last=O'Donoghue|first=Craig|url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/nba/australians-in-the-nba-how-luke-travers-josh-giddey-dyson-daniels-and-josh-green-went-in-the-last-week-c-17102032|title=Australians in the NBA: How Luke Travers, Josh Giddey, Dyson Daniels and Josh Green went in the last week|work=The West Australian|date=17 December 2024|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20241217013319/https://thewest.com.au/sport/nba/australians-in-the-nba-how-luke-travers-josh-giddey-dyson-daniels-and-josh-green-went-in-the-last-week-c-17102032|archive-date=17 December 2024}} Following this game, he was sidelined with an ankle injury until late January.{{cite web|last=O'Donoghue|first=Craig|url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/nba/aussies-in-nba-cleveland-cavaliers-luke-travers-is-getting-closer-to-a-return-from-an-ankle-injury--c-17523524|title=Aussies in NBA: Cleveland Cavaliers' Luke Travers is getting closer to a return from an ankle injury|work=The West Australian|date=28 January 2025|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20250128101639/https://thewest.com.au/sport/nba/aussies-in-nba-cleveland-cavaliers-luke-travers-is-getting-closer-to-a-return-from-an-ankle-injury--c-17523524|archive-date=28 January 2025}} On 13 February 2025, he posted his second triple-double of the season with 25 points, 18 rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks in a 130–116 win over Raptors 905.{{cite news |title=Charge Snap Skid |url=https://cleveland.gleague.nba.com/news/charge-snap-skid |access-date=14 February 2025 |work=Charge Basketball |date=14 February 2025 |language=en}} On 12 March, he recorded his third triple-double of the season with 16 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in a 120–113 win over the Rip City Remix.{{cite news |title=Charge Nab Home Win |url=https://cleveland.gleague.nba.com/news/charge-nab-home-win-2 |access-date=15 March 2025 |work=Charge Basketball |date=13 March 2025 |language=en}} On 29 March, he recorded his fourth triple-double of the season with 11 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in a 128–93 win over the Long Island Nets.{{cite news |title=Charge End Season With Big Win |url=https://cleveland.gleague.nba.com/news/charge-end-season-with-big-win |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=Charge Basketball |date=30 March 2025 |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Badkin |first1=Liam |title=Travers terrific with fourth triple-double |url=https://central.rookieme.com/basketball/travers-terrific-with-fourth-triple-double/ |access-date=6 April 2025 |work=Basketball Rookie Me Central |date=1 April 2025}}

In 2018, Travers represented Australia at the Under-17 FIBA World Cup in Argentina and won gold at the Under-16 FIBA Asia Championship in China.{{cite web|title=Luke Travers - Flames Local Talent Prepares for International Tour|url=https://websites.sportstg.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=0-3186-0-0-0&sID=390750&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=61713793|work=Rockingham Basketball and Recreation Association|date=31 March 2018|access-date=11 August 2022|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626081637/https://websites.sportstg.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=0-3186-0-0-0&sID=390750&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=61713793|archive-date=26 June 2021}} He had 22 points, eight rebounds, three assists, four steals and two blocks for Australia in their title-clinching victory over China and was named in the all-tournament second team.{{cite web|title=Sotto, Sun and Wigness lead the FIBA U16 Asian Championship Mythical Teams|url=http://www.fiba.basketball/asia/u16/2017/news/sotto-sun-and-wigness-lead-the-fiba-u16-asian-championship-mythical-teams|website=FIBA.basketball|date=10 April 2018|access-date=7 June 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411175218/http://www.fiba.basketball/asia/u16/2017/news/sotto-sun-and-wigness-lead-the-fiba-u16-asian-championship-mythical-teams|archive-date=11 April 2018}}

In August 2022, Travers made his Australian Boomers debut during the World Cup qualifiers.{{cite web|title=Boomers Team Announced for Fourth Window of FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.|url=https://australia.basketball/boomers-team-announced-for-fourth-window-of-fiba-world-cup-qualifiers/|website=Australia.basketball|date=11 August 2022|access-date=11 August 2022|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826054731/https://australia.basketball/boomers-team-announced-for-fourth-window-of-fiba-world-cup-qualifiers/|archive-date=26 August 2022}}{{cite web|title=Boomers trounce Bahrain in WC qualifier|url=https://www.espn.com.au/nbl/story/_/id/34460157/australia-boomers-trounce-bahrain-fiba-world-cup-qualifier|website=ESPN.com.au|date=26 August 2022|access-date=26 August 2022|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826054356/https://www.espn.com.au/nbl/story/_/id/34460157/australia-boomers-trounce-bahrain-fiba-world-cup-qualifier|archive-date=26 August 2022}}

Travers is the son of Karl and Sam and he has an older brother{{cite web|title=Luke Travers: The Kid From Rocko|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXJDug5U2Z0|website=YouTube|publisher=Perth Wildcats|date=25 November 2021|access-date=25 November 2021}} and a sister.{{cite tweet|author=Perth Wildcats|title=Wholesome content alert. ❤️ Sam and Thyra Travers, Luke’s mum and sister, react to hearing his name called out in today’s NBA Draft.|number=1540255714509475840|user=PerthWildcats|date=24 June 2022|access-date=24 June 2022}}

{{Reflist}}

{{commons category}}

• [https://www.nba.com/player/1631247/luke-travers/profile NBA profile]
• [https://nbl.com.au/player/3692/1296107/luke-travers NBL profile]
• [https://www.fiba.basketball/world/u17/2018/player/Luke-Jacob-Travers FIBA profile]
• [https://www.wildcats.com.au/news/wildcats-to-grow-legacy-of-number-4 "Wildcats to grow legacy of Number 4"] at wildcats.com.au
• [https://nbl.com.au/news/draft-rankings-snub-fuel-to-the-fire-for-travers "Draft rankings snub 'fuel to the fire' for Travers"] at nbl.com.au

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Category:2001 births

Category:Living people

Category:21st-century Australian sportsmen

Category:Australian expatriate basketball people in the United States

Category:Australian men's basketball players

Category:Basketball players from Perth, Western Australia

Category:Cleveland Cavaliers draft picks

Category:Cleveland Cavaliers players

Category:Cleveland Charge players

Category:Melbourne United players

Category:NBA players from Australia

Category:Perth Wildcats players

Category:Shooting guards

Category:Small forwards

Category:Sportsmen from Western Australia