ONE of the most exciting aspects of the National Basketball League (NBL) off-season is the addition of young talent to Australia’s premier competition, with Elijah Pepper the next rising Aussie to put pen to paper.

Following an outstanding collegiate career, Pepper has agreed to a two-year deal with the Perth Wildcats ahead of the 2024/25 season, and will be one of the most exciting prospects in the NBL.

Elijah Pepper

Combo Guard | 6’4″ | 200lbs

Born in Shepparton, Victoria, Pepper and his family relocated to the United States, where he rose through the basketball ranks to book a spot at the University of California, following a decorated high school career at Selah High School.

Standing six-foot-four, he became the team’s number-one guard for the UC Davis Aggies, competing in the Big West division and making a name for himself.

Now that Pepper’s college career has wrapped, he is now the all-time leading scorer for the Aggies, and was the recipient of numerous awards during his time in the NCAAM, including the Big West Player of the Year in 2024.

After missing out on selection at the NBA Draft, he returned to the Aggies to post career-high numbers of 22.5 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game, and was the leading Australian scorer in the NCAAM this season.

Now returning to his home country to join the NBL – which is growing on the global stage – Pepper will play alongside superstar guard Bryce Cotton. There is no better player to learn from in the NBL, and the youngster will benefit in a big way as he looks to further his basketball journey.

Given he is from Victoria, Pepper will be signed as a local player, allowing the Wildcats to keep their import spot open.

With an impressive wingspan, proven scoring ability and a solid blueprint for lockdown defending, a move to the NBL appears the right move for one of Australia’s most productive players at college level over the past few years.