Rio Tinto Wildcats Academy News

Rio Tinto Wildcats Academy to Visit Kalgoorlie

The Rio Tinto Wildcats Academy will travel to Kalgoorlie this weekend to take on the Goldfields Giants on Saturday, 23 May at Evolution Mining Stadium.

The trip forms part of the Academy’s ongoing focus on player development, while also strengthening connections with regional communities across Western Australia.

Led by Academy coach and Perth Wildcats assistant coach Keegan Crawford, the Kalgoorlie visit will provide players with exposure to life on the road as an elite athlete.

"Part of the role of the Academy is exposing players to high-performance game environments. Training is important, but we also want to place them in as many genuine game situations as possible. 

Each year we aim to take the group on a regional road trip so the players can experience what life looks like as a collegiate or professional athlete, including travel, recovery and preparation standards,” Crawford said.

“Kalgoorlie has been fantastic in linking with us this year and we’re really excited to head up to the Goldfields, play a great game before their NBL1 fixture and then stick around as a team and watch the rest of the games."

The Academy will also run clinics with local players alongside the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Basketball Association during the visit, with the program continuing to keep a close eye on talent emerging from regional areas across WA.

*Update with the final scores below, the Rio Tinto Wildcats Academy secure the win in Kalgoorlie. 
John Aryang lead scoring with 31 points and Riley Barmentloo close behind with 29 points.

Rio Tinto Wildcats Academy Player Updates

The Rio Tinto Wildcats Academy has seen a number of current and former players earn opportunities both nationally and internationally in recent weeks. 

John Aryang has been named in the Australian Crocs squad for the upcoming FIBA Under-17 World Cup in Türkiye following an extensive national selection process.

Aryang joins former Academy standout Luke Paul in the national squad, with Australia set to open its tournament campaign against Serbia on June 27.

Aaron Briggs has also secured an opportunity with Colorado Northwestern Basketball.

Recent Academy alumni Charlie Dimmock has committed to the University of Denver, while Tim Ibukunoluwa will continue his basketball journey at Siena University.

The Perth Wildcats congratulate all past and present Academy players on their achievements and continued dedication to their development both on and off the court.