Drink Wise game preview: Wildcats v Phoenix

After eight wins from as many starts over the pre-season, the Wildcats’ NBL25 campaign kicks off against a new-look Phoenix, bolstered by the likes of Jordan Hunter, Nathan Sobey and Angus Glover.

A trio of Wildcats are in line to make their NBL debut - headlined by Spanish Next Star Izan Almansa and ex-NBA star Dylan Windler.

Former US College sharpshooter Elijah Pepper is another new face for the Wildcats, coming off a massive pre-season.

Wildcats head coach John Rillie, who signed a multi-year contract extension during the week, felt continuity was important as his team hunts an 11th NBL championship.

The entire coaching staff has returned for this season, while only four changes were made to the roster that finished second spot in NBL24 and earned a semi-final berth.

“I think it’s a good step in the continuity of our franchise,” Rillie said.

“We’ve retained all of our staff which has happened for the first time in a long time for the Wildcats, even before my time here.

“We found during the pre-season that guys were familiar with each other on the floor and just the way we are as coaches, for guys to understand our expectation is on a daily basis.”

Rillie confirmed his trusty starting five from last season - of Bryce Cotton, Tai Webster, Kristian Doolittle, Hyrum Harris and Keanu Pinder - would get first crack against the Phoenix.

Cotton returns to the line-up after missing the last NBL Blitz game on the Gold Coast - a come-from-behind with over Cairns - with a thumb issue.

Game details

Who: Perth Wildcats vs South-East Melbourne Phoenix

When: 6.30pm WST Friday 20 September

Where: RAC Arena

Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel

Opposition watch

There was plenty of change at the Phoenix over the off-season with captain Mitch Creek moving on along with a host of other big-name players.

They’ve recruited strongly however including local trio Jordan Hunter, Angus Glover (Sydney) and Nathan Sobey (Brisbane), as well as highly-rated imports Joe Wieskamp, Derrick Walton Jr and Next Star Malique Lewis.

Last time they met

The Wildcats and Phoenix last faced off late in the NBL24 campaign when Perth prevailed 103-91 on the road thanks to a double-double from Keanu Pinder (23 points and 11 rebounds), 21 points and eight assists from eventual MVP Bryce Cotton and an eye-catching display from Frenchman Alex Sarr who ended up getting drafted with pick two in the NBA Draft.

Creek, who is no longer with the Phoenix, top-scored for his injury-hit team with 29 points.