Wildcats Off-Season Wrap: Russo-Nance, Withers go big in NZ

Russo-Nance, who is putting together an impressive debut season for Manawatu Jets, amassed a game-high 35 points to go with five rebounds, four assists and three steals in a tight win over Southland Sharks.

Earlier in the week, the Wildcats Development Player went up against teammate Todd Withers and the Otago Nuggets.

Russo-Nance had 10 points, six rebounds and five assists in the loss to the Nuggets, with Withers starring in his team’s win.

Withers reeled in a staggering 17 rebounds to go with a team-high 27 points to complete his three-game stint at the Nuggets before returning to Perth for the NBL1 West season.

Okwera had another big game for Franklin Bulls, putting up 21 points, six rebounds, four steals and three blocks in a 94-83 away victory over Nelson Giants.

The young tall Is averaging the second most blocks in the competition with 2.8 per game.

Forward Hyrum Harris fell one rebound shy of a double-double in Wellington’s loss to Canterbury.

Harris had an impressive stat line with 14 points, nine rebounds and five assists.

He’s equal-third in the NZ league for rebounds, averaging 10 per game for the Aaron Young-coached Saints.

Import Kristian Doolittle helped his new team in Puerto Rico - Carolina - to a big win over Mayaguez.

Doolittle had 16 points, five assists and four rebounds against a team which includes NBL stars Milton Doyle, Tyrell Harrison and Sam Waardenburg.

In France, Tai Webster contributed in JL Bourg’s second victory on the trot over La Rochelle.

Webster had 12 points, two assists and two rebounds in the 87-67 triumph.

The NBL1 West competition kicks off this weekend with sharpshooter Elijah Pepper set to make his Warwick Senators debut against Lakeside on Saturday alongside Wildcats teammate Withers.

Development Player Tom Gerovich, who like Pepper was recently locked in for NBL26, gets his season underway for Willetton against Mandurah on Friday night.