'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.
LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE BELOW
"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.

13 Oct
Wildcats uniforms to feature permanent Indigenous markings

11 Oct
2021/22 NBL Schedule Revealed

5 Oct
Vic Law ready to learn from experienced teammates

1 Oct
Jack Purchase arrives in Perth

28 Sep
New playing numbers revealed

23 Sep
Luke Brennan appointed Warwick Senators head coach

21 Sep
Todd Blanchfield sidelined

21 Sep
Vic Law arrives in Australia

14 Sep
Wildcats sign sharp-shooter Jack Purchase

9 Sep
Matt Nielsen named San Antonio Spurs assistant coach

6 Sep
Toughest player I've ever coached: Zunic's College Coach

6 Sep
Inaugural NBL1 West Champions Crowned

6 Sep
Perth Wildcats sign Aussie guard Kyle Zunic

30 Aug
Familiar faces through to NBL1 West Grand Final

27 Aug
Vic Law signs with Perth Wildcats

25 Aug
Wildcats in strong recruitment position
Support your team with the latest gear
Grab your latest team releases before they're gone.

Get the latest Team Updates
Breaking news & special offers. Direct to your inbox.


