Wildcats to embark on historic Japan trip

The Wildcats face reigning East Asia Super League (EASL) champions Chiba Jets, the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins and Yokohama B-Corsairs during their pre-season tour as preparations ramp up for NBL25.

It’s the first time the 10-time NBL champions have played against teams from the powerful Japanese competition in their proud 42-year history.

The Jets have strong ties with the Wildcats, highlighted by five-time championship mentor Trevor Gleeson who recently signed on as head coach.

Former import John Mooney is also part of a strong Chiba setup, having moved there from Perth three seasons ago after winning the club’s Gordon Ellis MVP award and earning All-NBL First Team honours.

Fellow US import Vic Law has also played for both clubs.

Ex-Wildcats assistant coach Shawn Dennis is at the helm of the Diamond Dolphins, the team’s first opponents of the tour on Saturday 31 August.

The Jets are next up on Monday 2 September, before the 10-day trip concludes against Yokohama on Wednesday 4 September.

“We’re excited to be the first NBL team to go on a pre-season tour of Japan and compete against top B-League teams,” Wildcats General Manager of Basketball Operations Danny Mills said.

“We believe this tour will be ideal preparation for our group leading into NBL25, offering both on-court experience and a chance for the team to bond off the floor and learn about Japanese culture.

“It’s been wonderful connecting with the B-League teams, and we look forward to strengthening these relationships over the course of the trip and coming years.

“Building on the success of last year’s US trip, where we played the NBA G-League Ignite in Las Vegas, we are optimistic that bringing the club into such an exciting basketball market will not only benefit our team and players individually, but also our brand on the global stage.”

“A big thank you to the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins, Chiba Jets, and Yokohama B-Corsairs for their hospitality and for making this tour possible.”

It comes after the success of last season’s US tour, which saw French Next Star Alex Sarr rise from potential lottery pick to top NBA Draft prospect after a pair of eye-catching performances against G-League Ignite in Las Vegas.

The Wildcats’ pre-season kicks off with two games against the NBL1 West All-Stars on Friday 23 August (at Morley Recreation Centre) and Sunday 25 August (Lakeside).

Following the Japan trip, the Wildcats head to the Gold Coast for the annual NBL Blitz pre-season tournament where they take on New Zealand  (Sunday 8 September), Illawarra (Tuesday 10 September) and Cairns (Thursday 12 September).

Perth’s season opener is against South East Melbourne Phoenix at RAC Arena on Friday 20 September as part of the inaugural Hoops Fest in WA.

Streaming details for the games will be confirmed at a later date.