Wildcats Enter NBL26 with New Look, Same Championship Drive

Fresh off the Perth Wildcats’ week in Canberra for the CODE Sports NBL Blitz, General Manager of Basketball Operations Danny Mills joined TAB Radio to talk through the club’s rebrand, a refreshed roster and the drive for an 11th Championship.

The 2025/26 season will mark the first under the club’s striking new logo and jerseys. Mills said the rebrand had been in the works since Wildcats owner Mark Arena took charge.

“It hadn’t happened for decades, so modernising the club was really important,” Mills said.

“This was about putting the Wildcats into a different tier of the market and setting the tone for a new era. It wasn’t about player movement, it was a club decision, and we’re thrilled with how it’s come together.”

While there has been a lot of talk in the off-season, Mills said the focus had been on retaining and recommitting key talent.

“It speaks volumes about the culture here that players like Ben Henshall, Kristian Doolittle, and Dylan Windler all chose to stay, even with big offers elsewhere,” Mills said.

“They love playing for John [Rillie] and the coaching staff, and they’re hungry after back-to-back semifinal runs. We’re right there and want to take that next step.”

The Wildcats also secured multi-year commitments from Joe Lual-Acuil Jr., Sunday Dech, and Lat Mayen, while adding exciting young talent including Next Star Noa Kouakou-Heugue and development players Jaron Rillie and Cameron Huefner.

With one import slot left to fill, Mills confirmed discussions are ongoing, with an announcement expected before the season opener on September 20.

“We’re going to be very selective. The player has to complement the group, add to the chemistry, and buy in. We’ve got a really good feel around the team already, so it’s about finding the right fit.”

Alongside roster additions, Mills stressed the importance of internal development.

“Dylan Windler has had an incredible off-season, he’s an NBA first round draft pick who can score from anywhere, and we think he’s ready to make a big leap as a scorer and all-round threat,” Mills said.

“Elijah Pepper was outstanding in NBL1 West, Sunday Dech played for Knox, Huefner and Lat Mayen excelled in NBL1 Central winning the championship, Kristian Doolittle dominated in Puerto Rico, and David Okwera took major strides in New Zealand. That internal growth is just as vital as recruiting new faces.”

With anticipation building towards the Perth Wildcats International Series next week and the September 20 home opener against the Tasmania JackJumpers, Mills said the Red Army can expect a team built on belief, hunger, and balance.

“We’re really excited about this group. We’ve got experience, young talent, and guys who’ve chosen to be here because they believe in what we’re building. It’s going to be a special season.”

Red Army! Get your tickets here to the Perth Wildcats International Series at Perth HPC!

See Jo Lual-Acuil in action for the first time - Tickets from just $15 for kids and $25 for adults via Ticketmaster.