Dennis excited for Wildcats reunion in Japan

Dennis, who spent three seasons at the Wildcats as an assistant under mastermind Rob Beveridge between 2010-13 before getting a head coaching role at the now defunct Townsville Crocs, now calls Japan home.

The 58-year-old has been at the helm of B-League outfit Nagoya Diamond Dolphins since 2021 and in Japan since 2016.

The Dolphins are the Wildcats' first opponents of the tour, facing up in Nagoya on Saturday 31 August.

Dennis, who had a big hand in getting the two clubs together for the pre-season clash, had fond memories of his time in Perth.

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He admitted the Wildcats' strong culture and values were a couple of things he'd tried to instil in Nagoya.

“As a player you always admired the way the Wildcats organisation was run from their on court success, the home crowds and the way you saw it from the outside looking in," Dennis said.

"When I was given the opportunity to work for the Wildcats by Rob Beveridge and Nick Marvin it was an honour to join such a prestigious club.

"From the moment I arrived you quickly found out why they had so much success.

"The club was very professional and the thing I liked most was the high standards that were expected across all facets of the club.

"Working in such an environment made everyday a great day to come to work. Doing what you love in a high-achieving environment.

"I have tried to instil similar values and a similar culture here in Nagoya.”

Dennis will come up against a couple of familiar faces in red - Wildcats skipper Jesse Wagstaff and star big man Keanu Pinder.

Wagstaff was in the early stages of his decorated NBL career, which has seen him win a record-equalling six NBL championships and play the second-most games of any Wildcat.

Pinder was a youngster training and the club back then, but has since played for Adelaide and Cairns before returning home to WA to play for Perth last season.

As for who Dennis currently has at his disposal?

Former New Zealand Breakers ace Zylan Cheatham has recently signed on, while ex-Milwaukee Bucks forward Luke Maye and highly-rated Japanese point guard Takumi Saito are another couple of players to watch.

It will be the Wildcats' first tour to Japan in their proud 42-year history, coming up against a trio of B-League outfits.

Their pre-season kicks off with two games against the NBL1 West All-Stars on Friday 23 August (at Morley Recreation Centre) and Sunday 25 August (Lakeside).

Following the Japan trip, the Wildcats head to the Gold Coast for the annual NBL Blitz pre-season tournament where they take on New Zealand  (Sunday 8 September), Illawarra (Tuesday 10 September) and Cairns (Thursday 12 September).

Perth’s season opener is against South East Melbourne Phoenix at RAC Arena on Friday 20 September as part of the inaugural Hoops Fest in WA.