New faces shine as Wildcats open pre-season with win over NBL1 Select

The new-look Wildcats named two off-season recruits in their starting five, with Usher and Next Stars talent Alex Sarr both featuring.

American import Usher, who shot six of eight from the field, was red-hot early and showed plenty for the Red Army to get excited about throughout his three quarters on the court on the way to 16 points and three assists.

He was the equal-leading scorer for the Wildcats alongside three-time NBL MVP Bryce Cotton who lit it up with four three-pointers before getting rested for the final term.

Local products Henshall, Okwera and New Zealander Dontae Russo-Nance were the other new faces to get some court time.

Okwera and Henshall were outstanding in the paint, reeling in a eight and seven rebounds respectively.

Evergreen veteran Jesse Wagstaff, entering his 15th season in the NBL, scored his team's first basket of the pre-season.

Wagstaff finished with 14 points in the opening half before being put on ice at the main break.

Sharpshooting guard Kyle Zunic (15 points) also reached double figures.

Zunic had hot hands late, hitting two of his three triples in the final term.

NBA draft prospect Sarr showed glimpses of his enormous potential with eight points including a massive poster dunk in the second quarter to get the crowd on their feet.

Warwick's Caleb Davis outscored everyone on the court with 19 points.

The Wildcats have one more clash against the NBL1 West Select at Warwick Stadium on Sunday evening before travelling to Las Vegas next Saturday for a pair of games against NBA G-League Ignite.

The season proper gets underway at RAC Arena on September 29 against Tasmania JackJumpers.