NBL27 Off-Season Weekly Wrap: April Week 1

The Perth Wildcats have delivered standout performances across the opening week of April, making an immediate impact for their off-season teams.

Kristian Doolittle - Gigantes de Carolina (Puerto Rico BSN)

Kristian Doolittle has put together a strong stretch in Puerto Rico, building into the week and finishing with his most complete performance.

He opened against Osos with 13 points and 4 rebounds, working his way into the game and finding his spots offensively.

That momentum carried into a win over Atléticos, where Doolittle produced 10 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal, impacting the result with his presence on the glass and ability to contribute across multiple areas.

He closed the stretch against Capitanes with his most complete outing of the week, finishing with 24 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals in a near triple-double performance that highlighted his all-round influence.

Jo Lual-Acuil Jr - Al Ahly Tripoli (Basketball Africa League)

Jo Lual-Acuil Jr has delivered a dominant run of form in the BAL, establishing himself as a consistent force in the paint across a demanding schedule.

He set the tone early against the RSSB Tigers with 17 points, 12 rebounds, 2 steals and a block, controlling the interior and making his presence felt on both ends.

That impact only grew against Petro de Luanda, where he produced 25 points and 15 rebounds on 12-of-16 shooting, asserting himself offensively while continuing to anchor the defence.

Lual-Acuil Jr carried that momentum into a win over Dar City, finishing with 20 points, 14 rebounds and 2 blocks in another strong two-way performance.

He rounded out the stretch against Nairobi City Thunder with 23 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists and 5 blocks, delivering a dominant all-round showing that underlined his influence on both ends of the floor.

Across the week, his ability to control the paint, protect the rim and produce consistently has been a defining factor in his side’s performances.

David Okwera - East Perth Eagles (NBL1 West)

David Okwera delivered one of the standout performances of the week, leading East Perth to a dominant win over the Mandurah Magic.

Okwera was in control from the outset, finishing with 33 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists in a near triple-double performance that showcased his ability to impact every facet of the game.

He added two steals and two blocks in a complete two-way showing, while shooting an elite 92% from the field to cap off an efficient night.

The performance earned Okwera NBL1 West Player of the Week honours.

Lat Mayen - East Perth Eagles (NBL1 West)

Lat Mayen played an important role in East Perth’s win over the Mandurah Magic, working in tandem with David Okwera to control the game.

Mayen finished with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks, providing a strong interior presence and consistent scoring throughout the contest.

His ability to impact both ends of the floor continues to complement East Perth’s frontcourt, adding defensive versatility and offensive support.

Cameron Huefner - Perry Lakes Hawks (NBL1 West)

Huefner delivered a strong all-round performance despite Perry Lakes falling to the Joondalup Wolves.

Huefner finished with 21 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists, leading the Hawks offensively and continuing to provide a reliable scoring option. His ability to contribute across the board remains a key driver.

Tom Gerovich - Willetton Tigers (NBL1 West)

Gerovich contributed strongly in Willetton’s win over the Cockburn Cougars, finishing with 13 points and 8 rebounds. His consistency on the glass and ability to impact inside remains a steady asset early in the Willeton Tigers campaign.

David Duke Jr - BAXI Manresa (Spain)

Duke Jr returned to action with 11 points, 4 rebounds and a block against Baskonia, before delivering a stronger showing in his next outing with 21 points, 8 rebounds and 4 blocks in a win.

Still to come:

Elijah Pepper and Dontae Russo-Nance are set to begin their off-season campaigns this week, with Russo-Nance tipping off for the Manawatu Jets against the Taranaki Airs on April 9, before Pepper suits up for the Wellington Saints on April 12. 

The schedule sets up an early storyline, with the Wildcats teammates going head-to-head when the Saints take on the Jets to open their seasons.