Perth Wildcats Off-Season Tracker
The Perth Wildcats are well represented during the off-season, with players taking up opportunities both overseas and closer to home.
Elijah Pepper has signed with the Wellington Saints in the NZNBL, where he’ll look to deliver the Saints a second straight championship under the guidance of Wildcats assistant coach Aaron Young, who leads the Saints as head coach.
The Wellington Saints made the announcement below:
"Elijah Pepper signs with the Saints!! ✍️
The Australian Boomer and Perth Wildcats guard arrives after a strong NBL campaign, where he averaged over 10 points per game and established himself as a premier perimeter threat.
Make sure to catch Elijah and the rest of the squad as the Saints take on the Manawatu Jets, on the 12th of April."
Lat Mayen has joined Perth Wildcats teammate David Okwera at the East Perth Eagles for the NBL1 West season.
The East Perth Eagles gave their fans the exciting announcement this week:
The Eagles have landed a HUGE addition for 2026, signing NBL veteran and Perth Wildcats star Lat Mayen.
An NBL1 Central Champion in 2025 with the West Adelaide Bearcats, he’s ready to light it up at The Nest in 2026.
Coach Carl Filpo said: "Lat is a high level talent who competes every possession. He's got great length, can score in a variety of ways, and brings a strong defensive presence. He is also a great team-mate which is just as important, and he will fit and add to our culture straight away."
David Duke Jr. has signed with BAXI Manresa and will finish the ACB season with the team in Spain.
Perth Wildcats NBL Next Star Noa Kouakou-Heugue will play the rest of the French Pro A League season with BCM Gravelines.
Kristian Doolittle has rejoined Gigantes de Carolina in Puerto Rico’s BSN. The Wildcats MVP will be looking to continue his exceptional NBL26 form, after averaging 17.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.
Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. is set to spend his off-season in Libya, where he has signed with Al Ahly Ly. The Wildcats big man heads into the off-season following a strong NBL26 campaign, averaging 17.0 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game.
Across the Tasman, Dontae Russo-Nance returns to the Manawatu Jets in the NZNBL.
Within Western Australia, the Wildcats will have a strong presence across the NBL1 West competition.
Cam Hueffner has signed with the Perry Lakes Hawks where he joins Perth Wildcats assistant coach Ben Peterson, who has taken the reigns as Hawks head coach.
The signing of Ben Henshall has recently been announce by the Warwick Senators off the back of his standout NBL26 season, while Tom Gerovich will continue with the Willetton Tigers.
David Okwera is back in action with the East Perth Eagles this off-season, a move that holds strong personal significance for the Wildcats forward.
“It meant a lot to me, just knowing the guys who’ve been through there from juniors,” he told Wildcats Media.
“It’s about representing those past players and that community.”
Staying close to home also played a key role, with Okwera embracing the familiar environment.
“It’s close to home and such a family environment, so it just felt right,” he said.
“Giving back is number one for me. Growing up here, I know what it means to be part of that community.”
After developing within the Wildcats program, Okwera believes he returns a more complete player.
“I think I’ve improved a lot… they’ll see a more mature version of me,” he said.
“I know what I bring, and hopefully we can build something special.
Confirmed off-season tracker:
Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. - Al Ahly Ly
Kristian Doolittle - Gigantes de Carolina
Cam Hueffner - Perry Lakes Hawks
Ben Henshall - Warwick Senators
David Okwera - East Perth Eagles
Tom Gerovich - Willetton Tigers
Dontae Russo-Nance - Manawatu Jets
David Duke Jr. - BAXI Manresa
Noa Kouakou-Heugue - BCM Gravelines
Lat Mayen - East Perth Eagles
Elijah Pepper -Wellington Saints
Players to watch as the off-season tracker continues:
Sunday Dech
Dylan Windler
Jesse Wagstaff
Jaron Rillie
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