Wildcats to Undergo Roster Changes

Wildcats’ General Manager of Basketball Danny Mills has given an insight into what the process of building Perth’s roster will be in the offseason.

Mills and ‘Cats head coach John Rillie spoke on potential returns and changes to the roster for next season after their NBL23 campaign came to an end.

The Wildcats were knocked out in a sudden-death Play-In Game against the Cairns Taipans, with talks of signings and roster decisions already underway.

“We’re going through who’s coming back and the options we have that we would like to pick up,” Mills said.

“First and foremost, it’s getting the guys back on contract that we have, and then looking at the local talent that’s out there, then going from there.

“The talent that’s out there and how do we improve the roster both by getting a little bit younger, more athletic, and also looking at what imports we can get in.

“We weren’t one of the better defensive teams and that’s going to be a focus when recruiting.”

Mills mentioned he was eager to recruit young local talent such as college stars Kyle Bowen and Alex Ducas.

Bowen and Ducas have trained with the Wildcats previously and could have a future with Perth.

“There’s a lot of kids in college that we look at closely,” Mills said.

“Obviously for Kyle and Alex Ducas the two WA kids, those are for sure discussions that are coming up.

“That’s been a constant since I’ve been here, keeping track of those guys because that’s how you build your roster, through the locals.”

In terms of current ‘Cats players, captain and NBL veteran Jesse Wagstaff’s future is down to the forward himself.

Rillie emphasised the significance of Wagstaff’s presence on the team and he would like to see him back next year for another season with the Wildcats.

Wagstaff is highly valued at the club, having played 14 seasons in the NBL with Perth and winning six championships.

“He’s a security blanket for me, for what he brings on the court but also off, also his care factor for the club. It would be good to have him back if that’s what he wants to do,” Rillie said.

“What I would say is in our front court we certainly need to bring some youth and enthusiasm to our front court.

“I look at Jesse and he would be a great mentor that could really help some young personnel through that stage.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wags from waaaay deep. 3??<br><br>? Watch live and free on 10Peach and ESPN, via Kayo and Foxtel. <a href="https://t.co/XcXI89PPK3">pic.twitter.com/XcXI89PPK3</a></p>&mdash; Perth Wildcats (@PerthWildcats) <a href="https://twitter.com/PerthWildcats/status/1624618953799782400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Mills added, “Jesse is unbelievable, on and off the court. Professional, experienced, captain of the club. A guy we would love to have around. You don’t want to lose that, if you lose that you try and fill those shoes which are not easy to fill”.

The future of the Webster brothers was discussed, as both brothers made an impact this season, with Tai contributing from the get-go since joining the club during the season.

“The addition of Tai really gave us a spark log, we loved what he did. It was unfortunate with his hamstring injury and that affected us in the last game,” Mills said.

“Corey was fantastic all season I think we’d all agree with that, and Tai as a local player and the talent he is, he is someone we are definitely wanting to bring back.”

For NBA draftee Luke Travers, the young star was highly regarded by Mills. He was pick 56 in the 2022 NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Perth is unsure of his future.

However, Mills declared if Travers wants it, a spot at the ‘Cats is open for the Perth youngster.

“From our mindset, Luke is going to be a Perth Wildcat next year if we can get a deal done,” he said.

The offseason will be one to keep an eye on, as the Wildcats look to build a roster that will hopefully see the club play more consistent basketball next season.