NBL27 Off-Season Weekly Wrap: April Week 4

Elijah Pepper was heavily involved across both games this week for the Wellington Saints, impacting play in a variety of ways in the NZNBL.

He dished out eight assists to go with 20 points against the Nelson Giants, before shifting gears as a scorer with a 30-point performance in a win over the Auckland Tuatara. 

Across the two outings, his ability to alternate between facilitator and scorer stood out. Pepper’s strong run of form comes alongside his new two-year deal with the Wildcats.

Speaking to The West Australian, he outlined a clear focus on developing as a primary ball handler, while also highlighting the trust and alignment within the group.

“I want to challenge myself at being a better ball handler… that’s an area of growth I can take a big step in for NBL,” Pepper said.

“I trust JR (coach John Rillie) and the coaching staff to make decisions, and when it comes down to it, whatever they think is best is how we will rock with it,”

“They told me from the get-go that they wanted me back and that I was a priority. Perth will always win out when it comes to relationships. So I was excited. It’s always nice when you’re heading into free agency that the club wants you. It’s hard to say no to that.”

Playing in New Zealand under Wildcats assistant coach Aaron Young, Pepper continues to take on added responsibility with the ball in his hands, combining his scoring ability with an evolving playmaking role as he builds towards NBL27.

A head-to-head matchup between Wildcats' teammates Cameron Huefner and David Okwera delivered one of the standout moments of the week, with Perry Lakes hitting the game-winner with seconds on the clock against East Perth in a dramatic finish.

Huefner was again a major presence for the Hawks, finishing with 19 points and 13 rebounds as he controlled the glass and provided a steady scoring option.

At the other end, Okwera produced a strong response for the Eagles, leading the way with 23 points while anchoring the defence with four blocks, impacting the game on both sides of the floor.

The contest came down to the final possession, with Perry Lakes securing the win on the buzzer through new import Jack Browder, who made an immediate impact in the Hawks first win of the NBL1 West season.

The game-winning play was set up by Perth Wildcats video coordinator Adrian Nobensi, capping off a memorable finish in a tightly contested matchup between the two Wildcats teammates (and Adrian).

Huefner backed it up against the Goldfields Giants, delivering his second straight double-double of the week with 30 points and 13 rebounds in another strong showing.

Tom Gerovich enjoyed a week of consecutive Willetton wins to remain undefeated at the top of the NBL1 West ladder.

After nine points against the South West Slammers, he followed it with 19 points and 12 rebounds in a top-of-the-table clash with the Eastern Suns.

That matchup also doubled as a head-to-head with Wildcats Academy young gun Marley Sam, with both sides entering undefeated. Gerovich played a key role in the result, while Sam continued his standout form for the Suns.

The 17-year-old backed up a 35-point performance the night prior with 29 points, seven rebounds and five assists, showcasing his ability to impact the game across multiple areas.

While Willetton secured the win, the contest highlighted Gerovich’s presence and Sam’s rapid rise, with the Academy prospect continuing to make his mark at NBL1 level.

Overseas, David Duke Jr. added eight points and three rebounds in BAXI Manresa’s clash with San Pablo Burgos, while Kristian Doolittle faced a quieter stretch in Puerto Rico, still contributing on the boards across both appearances.