Rebounding the focus as Wildcats pre-season kicks off

The younger members of the roster, including new recruit Elijah Pepper and second-year Wildcats Ben Henshall, David Okwera and Dontae Russo-Nance, hit the court at Bendat Basketball Centre on Monday, a little over two weeks out from when the senior players return.

Rillie said it was crucial for the Wildcats to improve their rebounding as they look to take the next step after a semi-final berth last season.

"Rebounding - we were disastrous at that last year, so that's something we want to influence from day one and try to impact a little better," Rillie said.

"Also our defence, we'll try to change some of our concepts and rules that we've had the first couple of years. 

"Just tweak them a little bit, so we can use these guys as our guinea pigs a little bit."

Rillie wasn't surprised that Australian-born former US college star Pepper hit the ground running on day one, a little under a week since arriving in the country.

"Elijah is one of those guys who keeps himself ready for basketball, so I knew he would come in and be ready to hit the ground running," Rillie said.

"In saying that, he has to get used to our style, our pace and all of that so his two weeks before the big dogs get back to town will be a great introduction for him."

Several Wildcats Academy players, as well as Boddington-raised St Mary's big man Harry Wessels who's back in WA on semester break, were among the additional names on court.

It's a largely similar roster for third-year coach Rillie after a second-placed finish and semi-final appearance before going down to eventual champions Tasmania.

Only import Jordan Usher, veteran Corey Webster, Next Star Alex Sarr and guard Kyle Zunic haven’t returned from last season.

Michael Harris was upgraded to the main roster, while highly-rated Spanish Next Star Izan Almansa and Pepper have joined the club.

There's still a third import spot up for grabs alongside four-time MVP Bryce Cotton and big man Kristian Doolittle, while there's also room for as many as two more Development Players.