Pepper adds spice to Wildcats' NBL25 roster

The Australian-born guard has an impressive college CV at UC Davis, where he recently became the school’s all-time leading point-scorer and second highest in Big West history.

The 22-year-old won this season’s Big West Player of the Year and is also a two-time All-Big West First Team member and dual All-Big West Second Team member.

Pepper averaged 20.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists across the 2023-24 season, while shooting at 41.5 per cent from the field.

He led the Aggies to the Big West championship game, scoring 21 points in a 74-70 loss to Long Beach State last month to finish with 2284 in his five-year college career.

“It means a lot, I’m super grateful to be in this position and signing for such a great organisation. I’m excited to get going.” Pepper said.

Addin' a little bit of spice. 🌶️

Welcome to the Wildcats, Elijah! pic.twitter.com/7Mpljt0ojX

— Perth Wildcats (@PerthWildcats) April 19, 2024

“I pride myself on working as hard as I can and getting into the gym and getting the reps up so that I’m ready to work on the court when it comes to game time.”

Born in Shepparton in country Victoria, Pepper is the son of former Hobart Chargers NBL import Ryan.

He qualifies as a local player due to having an Australian passport, meaning the Wildcats still have another import spot to fill alongside four-time NBL MVP Bryce Cotton and returning big man Kristian Doolittle.

“Elijah is an exciting addition to our back-court roster,” Wildcats General Manager of Basketball Operations Danny Mills said.

“His college record at UC Davis over the past five years speaks for itself and he brings a high level of scoring ability and an elite work ethic.

“With Elijah being a local player, it gives us some added flexibility with our NBL25 roster with one import spot still open.”

Let’s go!! Excited for the opportunity! https://t.co/R3Q0VXj66a

— Elijah Pepper (@Elijah_pepper12) April 19, 2024

The strongly-built 193cm talent has a sound basketball IQ and is a fierce competitor who has excelled at every level of basketball he’s played.

He becomes the Wildcats’ first signing of the Free Agency Period, which kicked off on Monday.

Head coach John Rillie expects the hard-working and competitive Pepper to thrive in the professional basketball environment.

“Elijah processes a competitive nature and a great work ethic that will allow him to have success early in his professional career as a Wildcat,” Rillie said.

“His strengths as a player are his ability to score and shoot the ball.  At the defensive end of the floor he has good instincts that allow him to be disruptive at that end of the floor.”

Perth Wildcats NBL25 roster

Imports: Bryce Cotton, Kristian Doolittle

Locals: Hyrum Harris, Michael Harris, Ben Henshall, David Okwera, Elijah Pepper, Keanu Pinder, Jesse Wagstaff, Tai Webster

Development Players: Dontae Russo-Nance