Rillie praises a hard-working Travers

Wildcats head coach John Rillie has praised Luke Travers and the work he has been putting into his game this season, admitting the team missed Travers the last time they played Sydney.

“Last time we played Sydney, we missed Luke’s versatility,” he said.

“Defensively, having someone with length and savvy on Cooks, but then offensively, he creates so much.

“It might not necessarily be points, but he creates easy looks for Brady Manek or hitting TaShawn on a roll for a dunk, Luke just brings a lot on both ends of the floor, so when we’re without him, it’s a huge part for us.”

Rillie said Wildcats associate head coach Mike Kelly has been putting in extra work with Travers.

“Mike Kelly has been doing a terrific job with Luke,” he said.

“He’s ingrained some confidence, and Luke is putting in the work to get the results.

“At the end of the day, you have to put in work, and he’s seeing that work come to fruition right now.”

With three-point shooting a focus for Travers, Rillie said he’s made some very important shots for the team so far this season.

“He’s made several big three-point shots this year throughout the course of the season,” he said.

“To me that shows confidence in his shooting to step up to make and take those shots.”

The Perth Wildcats take on Sydney Kings at RAC Arena on Friday night, tip-off at 6:30pm WST.

Shawn Redhage will have his number 42 jersey raised to the rafters in the Arena post-game.