'It's been amazing': Withers loving his time at the Wildcats
12 Dec
1
min read


The former Adelaide 36er admits he wasn't expecting to get a call-up from the Wildcats when he arrived in Perth ahead of his debut NBL1 West season with Warwick Senators earlier in the year.
But after a strong campaign with the Senators, where he was named in the competition's All-Defensive Team, the versatile forward was invited by coach John Rillie to train with the Wildcats.
From there, the 28-year-old signed as a Nominated Replacement Player and featured in pre-season games in Japan and the NBL Blitz on the Gold Coast.
He then covered for imports Dylan Windler, Bryce Cotton and now Kristian Doolittle in NBL25, playing eight games so far where he's proven to be a handy replacement.
Withers will have a big role to play over the next few weeks while Doolittle is sidelined with a groin injury.
"It's been amazing," Withers told the Perth Wildcast podcast.
"I came here with the mindset of just playing NBL1 (West) so I didn't think anything would come up with the Wildcats.
"I came in and was helping 'JR' out a bit, he just needed some extra guys for practice and stuff like that.
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"They ended up giving me an opportunity as an injury replacement and again, I didn't think anything of that as well, I was just thinking I was going to be a practice guy.
"Then some guys went down with injury so I had to be there and try to help out and do what I can to help the guys win."
Withers said while he really enjoyed his time at the 36ers, he didn't feel like he was the best version of himself.
"I don't think they had the best of me out there, or the best Todd that I think I can be," he said.
Withers faced up against his old team at Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Sunday, hitting a crucial late triple to go with a huge block on Kendric Davis as the Wildcats came away with an important road win.
The Wildcats are back on the road this week, taking on Cairns Taipans at Cairns Convention Centre on Saturday evening.

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