Milestone man reveals importance of NBL Cup win

Perth Wildcats guard Kevin White has revealed if his team doesn’t claim the inaugural NBL Cup, it will feel like a failed trip.

The Wildcats take on Adelaide tomorrow in their final NBL Cup game – and a win would seal the title.

While the silverware itself isn’t of major importance to the group, to bring home seven wins from a seven-week road stand would be just reward for the effort they’ve put in, and hold them in good stead for the rest of the season.

“If we were to come out and drop that Cup and lose that game tomorrow, and lose the Cup to Brisbane… It would feel like a failed trip, a failed last six weeks,” said White.

“If we can leave Melbourne at 8-3, only dropping one game in the time we’ve been based here in Melbourne, it would be a great thing.

“To win the Cup would be unbelievable because it’s been a tough six weeks for everyone, but at the same time every club’s gone through it.

“To go back home knowing we came out of the Cup the best, of every other association club that’s here, would be an unbelievable step forward in helping us achieve that long term goal of making the Finals.”

The clash with the 36ers is not only his first against his former team, but it doubles as White’s 250th NBL game.

He said his season in Perth has given him his best basketball experience.

“Team’s respect and love the club, but they also hate us because we’re so successful. I think it’s just from the front office to the back office, everyone just takes care of their roles, everyone does their jobs and there’s no wavering off that.

“Everyone knows that the person next to them is doing the same thing and the whole organisation functions as one.”

Sunday’s game will be the Wildcats first meeting with the 7-9 Adelaide 36ers.

With the addition of former San Antonio Spur Brandon Paul, they can’t be taken lightly.

“We haven’t seen much of him or know how much they’ll utilise his game tomorrow night, but in saying that they’re still a very good team,” said White.

“Sunday (Dech) has been playing unbelievably since he made his debut for them, defending the best players in the league, and Josh Giddey doesn’t need any other introduction. He’s been awesome.

“And Daniel Johnson whose arguably one of the best bigs to have played in the NBL. He’s had a very successful career, he’s a WA boy, and a good friend of mine. He can score in a number of ways.”

Sunday’s game will also see Clint Steindl pull on the Perth Wildcats jersey for the 100^th time.

Tip-off is at 1.30pm on VICELAND and SBS On Demand.