'Great story': Rillie hails replacement player Withers

Withers, who's featured in six games this season as a Nominated Replacement Player for imports Dylan Windler and more recently Bryce Cotton, starred in the 88-82 Indigenous Round victory over the JackJumpers.

The former Adelaide 36er, who's also spent time with Otago Nuggets in the NZNBL before an impressive NBL1 West campaign Warwick Senators had him on the Wildcats' radar, shot four of four from long-range to finish with 12 points.

He was also important at the defensive end, highlighted by a late block on Fabijan Krslovic when the game was on the line.

Rillie was full of praise for the energetic 28-year-old for his attitude, despite uncertainty over how many more games he'll play this season with Cotton nearing a return from a rib issue and Windler returning from a shin injury on Thursday.

 

 

 

 

 

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"I can only talk about Todd Withers in this moment and that guy doesn’t understand what's going to happen from him day to day, and game to game," Rillie said.

"So for him to come in and take that opportunity tonight is a great story and it's unbelievable for Todd, and also for his teammates for the way they embrace him and what he is for this team."

Withers joined the Wildcats for their pre-season tour of Japan and also featured in their unbeaten NBL Blitz campaign while Windler was sidelined with an ankle injury.

Rillie said the group had embraced Withers and made it an easy transition for him.

"It was tremendous that he wanted to be part of it in that situation," Rillie said.

"It's tough being an import let alone an import in that type of situation so for him to be comfortable with that, and for our team to embrace and hopefully make it an easy transition for him is something that means it's beneficial for everyone involved."

Withers travelled to Melbourne with the team on Friday and will suit up against Melbourne United at John Cain Arena as the Wildcats look for back-to-back victories to go 6-5 for the season.

The big clash tips off at 5pm WST and is live on Kayo Sports.