NBL Team Overview: Perth Wildcats
THE upcoming season of the National Basketball League (NBL) is just around the corner, with the season opener slated for the 2nd of December. As the NBL Blitz pre-season campaign comes to a close, sides across the league will be finalising their preparations for their NBL22 campaigns. With that said, it is time for us to take one final look at each team, and how they are faring heading into the upcoming season. Next to be placed under the microscope are the Perth Wildcats, who will be looking to bounce back from last year’s grand final defeat to place themselves back on the winner’s list.
Perth Wildcats
Ins: Jack Purchase, Kyle Zunic, Matt Hodgson, Michael Frazier, Oliver Hayes-Brown, Victor Law
Captain: Todd Blanchfield
Coach: Scott Morrison
Record last season: 25-11 (2nd)
Roster:
Jack Purchase
Kyle Zunic
Matt Hodgson
Michael Frazier
Oliver Hayes-Brown
Todd Blanchfield
Victor Law
It was a heartbreaking finish to last season for the Wildcats, who were ultimately bested by the stronger team, with Melbourne United one step ahead of them all season, including in the grand final series. The offseason saw a changing of the guard, with legendary head coach Trevor Gleeson departing for the NBA. Taking over the reigns is Canadian Morrison, who joins the side following a stint with the Boston Celtics.
The side will be thrilled to regain Cotton and Majok from injury, while welcoming the additions of players such as Purchase and Law. They did lose some key personnel to free agency, while Norton and Blanchfield ruled out for months with serious knee injuries. However despite these challenges, it seems near impossible to rule out the franchise that has produced so much success in the last decade. If anyone can overcome these obstacles, it is the Wildcats.
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