College Young Guns Loyal to Wildcats

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

WA born and bred youngsters Alex Ducas and Kyle Bowen have revealed their aspirations of making it to the NBL once they graduate from college.

The pair have been turning heads in the US for the St. Mary’s Gaels, with the sharp-shooting Ducas hitting on 44 per cent of his three-point shots, whilst Bowen is ranked sixth in rebounding in the West Coast Conference.

Ducas also made his Australian Boomers debut last July in the FIBA World Cup Qualifier against China.

Speaking to The West Australian’s Dribble Podcast, Ducas opened up about his dream of playing for his hometown Perth Wildcats.

“I’m open to options in the NBL. I’m a WA kid so Perth was obviously my favourite team growing up and who I worked out with plenty of times when coming back and forth between home and the states,” Ducas said.

“I’m a very loyal guy. I’ve always paid respects to the Wildcats. They were my favourite NBL team growing up and the only elite NBL team I ever looked at growing up.

"You leave all options on the table at the end of the day and do what’s best for you. But I do have a soft spot for the Wildcats.”

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Fellow Gaels teammate Bowen was a development player for the ‘Cats in the 2018/19 season where he and the team claimed the title against Melbourne United.

Bowen reminisces on his Wildcats days and says his championship ring is still sitting pretty in his room.

Bowen compares Perth’s culture to St. Mary’s and acknowledges the relationship between the players and coaching staff as whole.

“It’s (his NBL championship ring) two metres away from me,” Bowen said.

“I think that’s just a testament to the organisation they are. They care about their guys, old through young. Similar to St Mary’s, it’s a family over there. I’ve definitely got great memories and I love those guys.”