Rio Tinto Wildcats Academy Returns for 2026
The Rio Tinto Perth Wildcats Academy is back in action for 2026, following record numbers at tryouts and breakout success from Academy graduates.
Wildcats Academy Director and Perth Wildcats Assistant Coach Keegan Crawford says the depth of talent across Western Australia made this year’s selection process one of the most competitive yet.
“It was great to have all of the clubs around the state engage with us, nominating athletes, and we spent the last 12 months out in the community hand picking players to come to tryouts,” Crawford said.
“There was a lot of great talent out there, so it was a really tough decision to get it down to the group we have now.”
With numbers at an all-time high, selection remains grounded in three core pillars.
“We always look for high athletic potential,” Crawford said. “At our level, to be a pro athlete, the body and what it takes to compete physically is really important.
“Then, do you have an elite skill? Are you an elite shooter, rebounder or defender?
“And the third, which is always important, is your work ethic. Are you willing to get better and smartly in the right ways, or are you someone who takes it easy at times?”
That balance has shaped a squad of around 35 athletes, with a couple of additional players to be assessed once they return from injury.
For those who missed selection, the message remains consistent. The Academy is a pathway, not a one-off opportunity.
“We address the athletes at tryouts and let them know this isn’t the end of anything,” Crawford said. “We highlight the stories of guys who didn’t make it initially but came back better.”
Marley Sam stands as the strongest example, having missed out in his first year before developing into one of the program’s leaders, earning recognition as the Rio Tinto Competitor of the Year at the Wildcats NBL26 season launch.
A similar story has played out this year, with Andreas Grubisa earning selection after multiple attempts.
“He’s tried out a couple of times and through his development over the last 12 months, we’re really excited to have him in the program this year,” Crawford said.
The continued growth in numbers is a reflection of the Academy’s reputation.
“The willingness of the guys to come back each year shows they see the value in it,” Crawford said. “The resources that Rio Tinto provide make it a really strong program and set it apart from others.”
The continued support of Rio Tinto allows the Academy to offer a professional environment that extends beyond training, including strength and conditioning, medical support, coaching, nutrition and development resources.
With the squad now finalised, Crawford is excited by the mix of experience and emerging talent.
“There’s a lot of interesting stories in this group,” he said.
“You’ve got returning guys like Marley Sam and Billy McRae, who are starting to step into some NBL1 opportunities, and then younger guys like Angus Sallie, who’s in his second year and starting to come out of his shell.
“The ceiling for some of these guys is really high.”
Several Academy athletes are also set to feature at the Australian Junior Championships, including Riley Barmentloo and John Aryang, further highlighting the level of talent within the program.
The Academy continues to deliver results, with a growing list of graduates progressing into professional and international pathways.
“It started with Tom Gerovich becoming a Perth Wildcats player out of the Academy,” Crawford said.
“Now we’ve had guys like Tim Ibukunoluwa, Jhye Stoker, Channing Olowoyo, Isaac Averil, Wieu Atuer and Harry Fitzgerald all progressing through various college and development pathways, along with others continuing their journeys overseas.”
Recent graduate and newly signed NBL Next Star Luke Paul credits the Academy for the progression in his development, which has him touted as a high future NBA Draft prospect.
“Joining the Wildcats Academy was definitely a privilege. To go into an academy where you get everything you need.”
“High level coaches, you've got everyone around you that wants to get better every day.”
“You go into training and everyone's competitive. It was definitely good for me to see what I was competing against at my age level, as well as above and below me.”
He’s credited the coaching staff, and in particular Academy Director Keegan Crawford, for playing a major role in his growth.
“I learned a lot from Keegan and all the other coaches.”
“It's definitely a privilege. Keegan has taught me so much over the course.”
Each year, the Academy continues to evolve, with 2026 placing an even greater emphasis on professionalism across all areas.
“We’re trying to get really elite with our base,” Crawford said. “What we deliver day-to-day is already strong, but now it’s about refining everything around it and taking another step.”
That includes an expanded support network, with SportsMed Subiaco physiotherapist Bec Forster, strength and conditioning coach Adam Komatsu from Perform HQ, and support staff including Brent Alexander all playing key roles.
“We’re always striving to keep the program in line with the professional athletes, and that’s made possible through Rio Tinto and the support staff around the Academy,” Crawford said.
On the court, the focus is immediate and demanding.
“The biggest thing for us early is habits,” Crawford said. “Practice habits, recovery habits, and just playing harder. We’re putting the onus on these guys to compete and improve every day.”
That approach continues through the Academy’s structured weekly schedule, including early morning weights and before-school training sessions across multiple days each week.
Based out of the same facilities as the Perth Wildcats, Academy athletes are exposed daily to the habits required at the professional level.
They regularly see Wildcats players preparing and training during the NBL off-season, while initiatives like Pro Week give them a full immersion into the demands of elite basketball.
“They lift, they train, they recover, they do film, they get meals, everything,” Crawford said. “Everyone thinks they want it, but when they see what it actually takes, it can be a shock.”
As the program continues to grow, so does its ambition.
Crawford sees the Academy taking further steps toward structured competition in the future, building on its current exposure to NBL1 and exhibition games.
“For us, it’s about continuing to build and show that we can be part of a league or competition,” he said. “Whether that’s NBL1 or something else, it’s definitely something we want to be part of.”
The new group will get its first test with games locked in against Vic program Hoop City, led by Justin Schueller.
“We’re really excited to get the new faces out there,” Crawford said. “It’s a chance to see who stands up.”
The matchups will form part of a broader schedule that will include games against NBL1 opposition, with further details to be announced.
The 2026 Rio Tinto Wildcats Academy vs Hoop City
When: Monday, 13 April and Tuesday, 14 April
Venue: Bendat Basketball Centre
Tip-off: 10:00am (both days)
ENTRY IS FREE
2026 Rio Tinto Perth Wildcats Academy Squad:
Zac Allen, John Aryang, Johk Atuer, Riley Barmentloo, Kobe Birch, Aaron Briggs, Benjamin Bul Gayo, Cohen Cain, Johnchol Chol, Juma Chol Bior, Lowell Jude Christopher, Lincoln Coleman, Max Dimmock, Lasiana Edgar, Alex Edwards, Jaden Exeter, James Galvin, Jeremiah Gatluak, Richard Gerovich, Andreas Grubisa, Oliver Horton, Samuel Johnson, Beau Jones, Jake Lobik, Zak Magdy, Billy McRae, Peter Muthiya, Dylan Redhage, Lachlan Rogers, Angus Sallie, Marley Sam, J'Quarn Shoveller, Peter Thuch, Jaelan Toby, Josh Waite, Mason West.
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