'One piece away': Wildcats' core ready for another run

Despite their Hungry Jack’s NBL26 season didn’t end the way they wanted it to, there is still plenty of optimism for the Perth Wildcats heading into the 2026-27 campaign.

John Rillie’s side has frontcourt trio Kristian Doolittle, Jo-Lual Acuil Jr. and Dylan Windler all locked in for next season.

As well as that, the Wildcats also have Ben Henshall, Jaron Rillie, Sunday Dech, Noa Kouakou-Heugue, Cameron Huefner and Lat Mayen (club option) on the books for NBL27.

As NBL commentator Felix Van Hofe pointed out, “the Wildcats built their dynasty on retention”, highlighting how important it is for the 10-time champions moving forward.

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“It was a masterstroke signing Kristian Dootlittle before last season for another three years, which means you’ve still got him for another two,” 1990 MVP Derek Rucker said on Monday’s episode of NBL Overtime.

“Dylan Windler is coming back for one, and JLA obviously is going to be around, so [there is a] great nucleus coming back.

“I think they're well-positioned; all they need is to hit on that other import spot.

“They need to shore up their bigs, but that’s why re-signing free agent David Okwera is a priority for them. I’d also want to re-sign Elijah Pepper.

“If you get most of this crew back, they’re in a strong basketball position.”

NBL champion Pete Hooley agrees that re-signing Okwera and Pepper, along with finding an import point guard, are the main priorities of the off-season.

“I'm okay with Okwera as the backup big. I thought he was very good in tandem with JLA,” Hooley said.

“But Elijah Pepper, that's the one. That is non-negotiable. You need to keep Elijah Pepper there. He's an absolute stud, so young in his career, and [I’m excited about] what he can continue to blossom into.

“Then it's simple, you just go out there, it doesn’t matter how long it takes, and you make sure you land that import point guard and really nail it. Because that was the missing piece all season long.

“All of a sudden, you've got a team that was right there, arguably led by the best two-way play in the league, in Kristian Doolittle, with Dylan Windler on the wing and JLA down low.”

Perth Wildcats skipper Jesse Wagstaff, who is off contract, has recenlty postponed talks about his future.

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The NBL26 Playoffs continue on Tuesday night with Adelaide hosting South East Melbourne from 7.30pm AEDT on Tuesday, live on ESPN.