Sarr believes Wildcats move is the right one

The hot 2024 NBA draft prospect and inaugural Wildcats Next Stars signing lit up Dollar Loan Center against G-League Ignite in front of hundreds of NBA scouts and executives.

The athletic 216cm Frenchman, who tallied 17 points, seven rebounds and six blocks in the Wildcats' 124-105 loss to G-League Ignite, landed a couple of huge dunks and also showcased his defensive ability.

In a remarkable 30 seconds late in the first half, Sarr dunked the ball at one end before blocking two of No.1 prospect Buzelis' shots in a row.

The 18-year-old led all Wildcats in blocks and rebounds, while only import Jordan Usher (22) had more points.

“I just wanted to turn pro and the NBL and Perth Wildcats seemed like the best move for me, and I think I made the right decision,” Sarr said post-match.

Sarr said while he was happy with his performance, he had redemption on his mind on Friday night when the two teams meet again.

“I was just hoping to be competitive,” Sarr said.

“I was really happy with my performance, I wish we’d won the game but we’ve got another game on Friday.”

Wildcats head coach John Rillie said he had been impressed with Sarr's progress and will to learn since arriving during the off-season.

“When he first came to Perth about five weeks ago, one of the first things I harped on about was his relentlessness to rebound and impact the game defensively around the rim because us as a team were poor at that last year,” Rillie said.

“I think he’s had great growth at that category tonight, now the challenge is what happens on Friday.

“He’s been tremendous in the way that he’s approached that and what he’s trying to work on so he can be successful in the future.”