Wildcats roster update ahead of NBL Free Agency period

The Wildcats have one local, one import and one Next Star still to sign for NBL25 after locking in the majority of last season’s roster, including the entire starting five and captain Jesse Wagstaff.

General Manager of Basketball Operations Danny Mills says the club has identified a few key areas to complete the roster after the recent re-signings of Wagstaff, energetic guard Tai Webster and import Kristian Doolittle.

“We obviously have a lot of our group returning from last season, including our entire starting unit which was one of the most effective five-man line-ups in the league,” Mills said.

“In review of last season, we’ve identified a few key areas we wanted to address in adding to our roster for next season, especially in regards to adding shooting and improved rebounding.”

After the success of inaugural Wildcats Next Star Alex Sarr, who is predicted to go as high as pick one in the NBA draft in June after a brilliant debut NBL campaign, Mills said the club is in “productive conversations” to get another on board.

“We are in productive conversations involving a Next Star for next season,” Mills said.

“Obviously it’s going to be hard to replicate what Alex provided us on both ends of the court but the goal is to find a prospect that can be productive and contribute to winning basketball.”

Among the roster changes is the promotion of sharpshooter Michael Harris, who’s been a Development Player the past two seasons.

Harris featured in 26 games last season, averaging 2.7 points, 1.5 rebounds and 0.4 assists in about 8.4 minutes per game.

He’s currently plying his trade with Warwick Senators in the NBL1 West competition.

“Mike has earned everything he’s achieved throughout his career and him being elevated onto the main roster is just the next step in his career,” Mills said.

“His ability to shoot the ball and be an aggressive threat offensively has already allowed him opportunities as a DP and we can’t wait to see what he’ll bring to next year’s roster as he improves his game at the NBL1 level this off-season.”

The Wildcats last week announced the departures of guards Corey Webster and Kyle Zunic.

Webster’s team option for next season wasn't picked up, with Zunic not offered a contract for NBL25 as both become free agents.

Young guard Dontae Russo-Nance will remain as a Development Player for the 2024-25 season, before being elevated to the full roster in 2025-26.

The NBL's Free Agency period kicked off on Monday.

Perth Wildcats NBL25 roster

Imports: Bryce Cotton, Kristian Doolittle

Locals: Hyrum Harris, Michael Harris, Ben Henshall, David Okwera, Keanu Pinder, Jesse Wagstaff, Tai Webster

Development Players: Dontae Russo-Nance