Doolittle’s Take on NBL26

Kristian Doolittle believes the Perth Wildcats’ NBL26 campaign revealed plenty about the character and potential of the group, with the import forward reflecting on a season that tested the team but also highlighted what their capable of building.

While the campaign ended short of where the Wildcats had hoped to go, Doolittle’s view of the season is shaped just as much by the progress made along the way as the final result.

“Yeah, I think this year was a good year. Unfortunately, we didn't make it past the semifinals, but I think this year had a lot of different challenges that we were able to overcome,” Doolittle said.

Across the course of the season, Perth was asked to respond to plenty.

Injuries interrupted continuity, young players were asked to take on greater responsibility, and the team was regularly forced to adjust. Through it all, Doolittle felt the group continued to respond, with the ability of different players to step in and perform becoming one of the strongest themes of the year.

“I feel like we have a next man up mentality. We had a lot of players get hurt for a couple long stretches of time that required a lot of people to step up,” he said.

“I feel like when people's names were called, they were able to show up and perform, contribute and help us win a lot of games that people probably would have expected us to lose because people were out.”

That depth of contribution helped shape a season in which a number of Wildcats took important steps forward.

For Doolittle, one of the most encouraging elements of the campaign was the development seen across the roster, with several players producing strong seasons and others using the opportunity to establish themselves further at NBL level.

“I feel like a large group stepped up a lot this year, made a name for themselves and had a breakout year. I feel like there will be exciting players to look forward to for years to come. We had a really good season.”

There were tangible signs of that progress across the year.

The Wildcats finished the season with one of the best road record in the league, underlining the team’s ability to compete in difficult environments and deliver strong performances away from home. At the same time, Doolittle acknowledged there were lessons within the season too, particularly for a group that remains relatively young.

“We had one of the best road record in the league. I feel like we dropped some games we wish we could have back, but that's just part of the learning curve for having such a young team as we did this year,” he said.

At their best, the Wildcats showed the kind of balance and cohesion that made them difficult to contain on either end of the floor. Just as importantly, the season also gave the group a clearer picture of where it can still improve.

“There’s always things to get better at. I think offence and defence is something that can be addressed,” he said.

“I think there are times where whenever we're clicking, we are one of the toughest teams to guard and one of the toughest teams to score on. But when we're not at our best, that's when things can get exposed.”

The expectation is that with more time together, stronger chemistry and another offseason of development, the benefits of this season’s lessons will continue to show.

“With additional years of this team together, I feel like, as the chemistry continues to grow, I think a lot of those things will be fixed,” he said.

That is especially relevant for a younger Wildcats group, with Doolittle confident the experience gained this season and in the offseason ahead will leave the squad better placed again heading into NBL27.

“We have a really young team, and I think the experience that the young guys were able to get from playing here or wherever they play in the offseason will help their confidence grow. So, for next year, they're ready to go,” he said.

Doolittle also paid tribute to the Red Army, whose presence throughout the season remained a constant source of energy for the group.

“I've always appreciated the support from the Red Army, understanding that they're going to show up. There's always going to be a good home crowd,” Doolittle said.

“They're always into the game, trying to distract other teams from making free throws. And I think the little things go a long way.

“Being able to come back home and then, you know, getting cheered for is always nice. I've always appreciated the impact of what a home court advantage can have. And I will always believe that we have the best one.”

It was a year that demanded resilience, created opportunity and offered valuable growth across the roster.

And in his view, it also laid the groundwork for what comes next.

“Red Army, I appreciate the support this season, and I'm looking forward to seeing you all next year.”