NBA draft prospect excited for Cotton challenge

The highly-rated G-League Ignite guard, who is projected to go in the second round of next year’s draft, said he’d been preparing to take on the three-time NBL MVP who’s become one of the best players in the competition’s history.

“Some of my teammates have actually told me about him and I’ve watched a bit of film on him so I’m excited to play against him,” Johnson said.

Johnson felt one of the benefits of the Ignite program was to go up against seasoned opponents as he looks to make the step up to the NBA next year.

“I feel like that’s one advantage we have with the Ignite that other guys in college don’t get, playing against other pros and different players over here,” he explained.

Ignite forward Tyler Smith was excited about coming up against former teammate and Wildcats Next Stars signing Alex Sarr.

Smith and Sarr played together for YNG Dreamerz in the Overtime Elite league the past two seasons before going their separate ways.

“Alex is a really good player,” Smith said.

“I played with him for two years, now he’s in Australia and doing well I heard.”

As for his scouting report on the 216cm centre/forward?

“Don’t let him shoot, he can shoot,” Smith said.

The Wildcats play two pre-season matches against the G-League Ignite at The Dollar Loan Center on Wednesday and Friday nights as preparations ramp up for the NBL24 season.

You can stream the games live and free on the NBA app, from 9am WA time on Thursday and Saturday mornings.

All you need to do to watch the game is create a free account and you will have access to watch it there.