'He can get it done': Doolittle earns praise of Cotton, Rillie

Doolittle was massive part of Wildcats' 90-87 win, posting his second double-double in a row and impacting both ends of the floor to finish with 19 points and 11 rebounds.

Now in his second season in the NBL, the import has already upped his averages in points (from nine to 15 per game), rebounds (from 6.7 to 10.2), blocks (from 0.3 to 1.0) and assists (from 2.1 to 2.4).

After arriving just a few days before his debut season at the Wildcats, coach Rillie believes an "improved" Doolittle is much more settled this time around - and it's showing in his confidence and synergy with teammates.

“He helps winning,” Rillie said.

“I think his comfort level with our group, with Australia, the synergy he has with his teammates after last year, he’s taken a nice step and growth in his own confidence of what he can be in this league.

“I think you guys are starting to see an improved Kristian Doolittle."

Cotton, who starred in the hard-fought win with a game-high 35 points including seven triples, also sung Doolittle’s praises.

“He's so dynamic on the floor,” Cotton said.

“You see, for stretches of the game he can take over by putting points on the board.

"He can lock up the other team's best player or get big-time rebounds. Whatever you need Doo to do, he can get it done.

“It’s a joy having him on the floor for sure.”

The 2-3 Wildcats' next assignment is against New Zealand Breakers in Auckland on Saturday 19 October.