"It's the Wildcats ... there's only one expectation"

They’re a team that a history like no other and with a record 35 straight consecutive Finals appearances and 10 championships among their accolades, success for the Perth Wildcats has become somewhat of a given.

For John Rillie, that means the pressure is always high, and in many ways, nothing short of a championship is acceptable for a fan-base that is used to winning. 

“It’s the Perth Wildcats … there’s only one expectation,” Rillie said of the club’s aspirations for NBL25.

The Wildcats finished last second in second place after the regular, only to go out in the Playoffs against Tasmania.

This year, they’re desperate to make a return to the glory days. 

“We’ve maintained all our staff and a good portion of our roster for the first time in a long time, even before my time here,” Rillie said. 

“I think you saw in the pre-season, guys familiar with each other on the floor, and just the way we are coaches, for guys to understand what our expectation is on a daily basis.

“Going to the Blitz and Japan helped us work out who we are as a team, but more importantly how the new guys can fit in.”

Stability is key to any successful team, and outside of Alex Sarr, Corey Webster, Jordan Usher and Kyle Zunic’s departures, Perth’s roster looks as steady as any across the league.

They’ve maintained the majority of their stars, led by Bryce Cotton and Keanu Pinder, and brought in NBA-level talent, in the form of Dylan Windler, while at the same looking to build their younger brigade around Elijah Pepper and Izan Almansa.

On paper, it’s hard to see the Wildcats going backwards in NBL25.

For exciting Next Star, Almansa, dubbed one of the most successful international youth players of all time, he has the world in front of him.

If he can perform anything like eventual number two NBA draft pick Sarr did last year, Perth will only improve. 

“I’m very excited to see where his (Almansa's) season ends, because what he’s done so far with us in the pre-season and his time with us has been impressive,” Rillie said of the 19-year-old Spanish gun.

“Work ethic, (his) willingness to do the little extra stuff, improve, great competitive drive about his nature.

“I expect him to have impact, which will not necessarily show up statistically every night.”

The Wildcats take on the South East Melbourne Phoenix at RAC Arena on Friday night from 8.30pm AEST, live on ESPN via Kayo.