Series preview: Wildcats v NBL1 West Select

There could be as many as three new faces take the court for the Wildcats with Spanish Next Star Izan Almansa and sharpshooter Elijah Pepper expected to play and home-grown Development Player Tom Gerovich also a chance to get on the court.

It’s the first of eight pre-season hit-outs for Perth, including another against NBL1 West Select at Lakeside on Sunday.

Head coach John Rillie revealed last season’s starting five of four-time NBL MVP Bryce Cotton, Tai Webster, Kristian Doolittle, Hyrum Harris and Keanu Pinder were likely to start on court.

But Rillie was also hoping to give his younger brigade some important court time as preparations ramp up for NBL25.

“I’ll play everyone. Start with the starters and we’ll go from there,” Rillie said.

Tune in to all the preseason action this weekend on the Wildcats App! 📲

🏀 Wildcats v NBL1 Select - Friday @ 7.00pm
🏀 Wildcats v NBL1 Select - Sunday @ 5.00pm

Download the app here: https://t.co/Yhf5feSi3i pic.twitter.com/75Cd05839Y

— Perth Wildcats (@PerthWildcats) August 22, 2024

“Right where I sit today with how we want to treat pre-seasons is to give the young guys as much opportunity as possible so once we get into the season, we have a good understanding of where they’re at … then the veterans to make sure they’re in a good rhythm come September 20th.”

Pepper was excited for his Wildcats debut after arriving in Perth from the United States about a month ago.

"I'm excited to be a part of this, play with the guys, see how they all play and hopefully get ready to win some basketball games," former UC Davis college star Pepper said

"The guys who have been here for the last two weeks I think of as test dummies so to speak, we are learning the new offence that has been in place but they are also making tweaks to see how the coaches and players feel about it.”

Following the NBL1 West series, the Wildcats set off for Japan on Tuesday to take on three B-League outfits.

From there it’s off to Gold Coast for the annual NBL Blitz pre-season tournament.

Rio Tinto Wildcats Academy will feature in an intra-squad curtain-raiser ahead of Friday night’s clash from 5pm, with the main event kicking off at 7pm.

Sunday’s Academy game has been called off due to a clash with WABL finals for many of the squad.

Both games will be streamed live and free via the Wildcats App which you can download here