NBL27 Round 6 Multicultural Game Preview | Wildcats vs United

The Perth Wildcats return to RAC Arena on Friday night to face Melbourne United in the club’s second Multicultural Game, with Kristian Doolittle back in the lineup.

Both teams are looking to respond after losses, with Perth returning from Sydney and United heading west following a defeat to Illawarra.

Doolittle’s return for his 100th game for the Perth Wildcats, his inclusion back into the lineup gives the Wildcats a boost at both ends of the court ahead of a busy stretch of games.

Head coach John Rillie said the forward’s versatility allows him to make an impact wherever Perth needs it.

“He can influence and impact the game in so many different ways,” Rillie said.

“It can be scoring, rebounding, defence. Like you saw in the New Zealand game, just the way he creates easy opportunities for his teammates through his passing ability.

“He gets a lot of attention these days, so his willingness to make plays for his teammates is crucial to us.”

Doolittle joins Elijah Pepper and Dylan Windler as key scoring options for Perth, while United brings several threats of its own.

The contest brings former Wildcat Luke Travers back to Perth, adding another familiar face to a United side featuring Joe Ingles.

Melbourne has had three players score at least 15 points in each of its past three games. Ingles scored 15 without missing a shot from the field against Illawarra and leads United in assists this season, providing an experienced creator off the bench.

Containing that spread of contributors will be part of the challenge for Perth, with Rillie expecting the visitors at their best.

“You’re always preparing for the best version of any team,” he said.

“That’s the way we’ve prepared. That’s the respect level they’re getting from us.”

The focus for the Wildcats will be making more of their opportunities after working back into the contest against Sydney but being unable to sustain that momentum in their first game on the road.

“Our first quarter wasn’t sharp enough,” Rillie said.

“The couple of opportunities I felt we really had to gain some scoreboard pressure, we just missed those opportunities, one in the second quarter, one in the third quarter.”

With Jo Lual-Acuil sidelined by a grade three calf strain, Angus Brandt and Jesse Wagstaff will continue to provide experience in the frontcourt, alongside opportunities for Cameron Huefner and Alex Higgins-Tisha.

Rillie praised the value Brandt has brought since returning to Perth as he prepares to play in NBL Game 150.

“Just with his experience and his day-to-day habits, it certainly brings a level of comfort for us in that space,” he said.

“We’ll continue to lean on Wagstaff, but then the young guys in Cam and Alex, they’re going to get their opportunities, that’s for sure.”

Jaron Rillie is also available to play against United.

Friday night will celebrate the cultures and backgrounds represented across the Wildcats and the Red Army under the theme One team. Many cultures.

Both teams will wear multicultural jerseys, with Perth’s featuring flags representing each player’s cultural heritage and “welcome” translated into languages reflecting the backgrounds across the club.

GAME NIGHT

5:00pm: Band at Murray Street Mall train station exit; box office opens.
5:25pm: Band arrives at Pirate Life Perth.
5:30pm: Doors, The Y Fan Zone and merch outlets open. Origami making, Multicultural merchandise and Chung Wah Lion Dance Troupe & Mr Accordian Man Perth outside Entry A.
5:40pm: Red Army March leaves Pirate Life Perth.
5:55pm: Apoteozzy Samba Brazilian Show outside Entry A.
6:10pm: Entertainment commences.
6:30pm: Tip-off.
Post-game: Members function in Granite Room.