Mooney's seamless start to pro career

John Mooney’s first five games games as a pro have been elite.

The Perth Wildcats recruit is in his first season out of college, and has adapted to playing against seasoned veterans immediately.

In his first five games, Mooney has come away with four double-doubles. Needless to say, he’s averaging a double-double with 16.8 points and 11.4 rebounds per game.

The 22-year-old rookie also leads the NBL in total rebounds and offensive rebounds (3.8 per game).

He’s also top-three in the competition in steals and top-ten in blocked shots.

Given the above, it’s not surprising Mooney also averages the most NBL Fantasy points per game ahead of the Taipans Cameron Oliver and Scott Machado.

He said his teammates have helped make the transition to professional basketball easy.

“I’m just trying to maximise my role,” he said.

“Coach Gleeson has set a role for all the guys, he told me to come in and score and rebound the ball. My teammates are really helping me out, the coaching staff are really helping me out, so a lot of the credit really goes to them for getting me on the same page as everyone. A lot of the credit goes to the guards and the other guys who are finding me.

“I like where I am at I really think I can play in this system, but again I’m trying to get better every day and just trying to do what I can to help this team out and help the team win.”

Mooney is also the second-leading scorer on the Wildcats roster.

The 2020 All-ACC First Teamer will look to continue his good form on Saturday when he and the Wildcats go up against Jock Landale and his undefeated Melbourne United side.

Tip-off on VICELAND is at 2.30pm.