New recruit John Mooney studying up on Wildcats

Newly signed Perth Wildcats import player John Mooney said he’s been watching tape of two champion Wildcats in the lead up to his move down under.

Mooney, a power forward out of Notre Dame, was signed to help fill the void left by Nick Kay – who departed the club to play in Europe.

The 23-year-old said he’s across what Kay was able to provide the Wildcats.

“I’ve seen some of Nick Kay’s highlights, he’s a great player, I think I can come in and do some of the things that he did,” said Mooney.

“He’s involved in a lot of ball screens, a lot of flex screens and down screens, and I’m comfortable playing out of those actions, and on the defensive end I’m going to work my tail off and try to get stops, and try to keep my guy in front of me and clean up the glass. That’s something I take pride in.

“I’m definitely excited and confident that I can come in add value to the organisation.”

Mooney, who is represented by the same agent as Bryce Cotton, said the reigning NBL MVP reached out to him.

“I’ve watched tape on Bryce, he’s a tremendous player, he’s a good shooter, has the ball in his hands a lot and he’s creating. It’s going to be fun to play with him. Ball screen for him, pick, pop, let him do his thing. He seems like a team first guy,” he said.

“I’ve had the chance to speak with him a little bit over the phone so he seems like a good dude. I’m certainly very excited to get out there and meet him, along with the rest of the guys.”

John Mooney is expected to arrive in Perth in the second half of October.