Rillie endorses import for NBL's DPOY

Doolittle has been a massive reason behind the Wildcats' impressive season turn-around, having an impact at both ends of the floor to help his new team win eight of their last 10 matches.

The Oklahoma product was at his dominant best in Perth’s Boxing Day victory over Cairns, reeling in a game-high 16 rebounds to go with and along with 17 points and two steals.

His defensive board with just over 40 seconds to go and one point the margin proved to be game-defining, resulting in a Keanu Pinder bucket at the other end to stretch the Wildcats' lead back to three.

Doolittle, who's averaging 5.2 defensive rebounds per game, sixth overall in the competition, earned the praise of his coach post-match.

“That bamboozles me to some degree, where we talk about all these other players around the league as Defensive Player of the Year candidates and this guy just quietly goes about his business every night,” Rillie said after the 105-102 victory at Cairns Convention Centre.

“I’m not an analytics guy, but we’re moving in the right direction and he’s part of it, so it would be nice if people watched a little closer so they realise how much impact he has at that end of the floor.

“He doesn’t worry about that. I’m trying to pump his tyres up so he understands his coach appreciates what he brings to this team.”

The Wildcats complete a tough three-game road trip against Adelaide at Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Thursday night before returning home to Perth on Friday.