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'One piece away': Wildcats' core ready for another run
Despite their Hungry Jack’s NBL26 season didn’t end the way they wanted it to, there is still plenty of optimism for the Perth Wildcats heading into the 2026-27 campaign.
John Rillie’s side has frontcourt trio Kristian Doolittle, Jo-Lual Acuil Jr. and Dylan Windler all locked in for next season.
As well as that, the Wildcats also have Ben Henshall, Jaron Rillie, Sunday Dech, Noa Kouakou-Heugue, Cameron Huefner and Lat Mayen (club option) on the books for NBL27.
As NBL commentator Felix Van Hofe pointed out, “the Wildcats built their dynasty on retention”, highlighting how important it is for the 10-time champions moving forward.
Perth Wildcats coach John Rillie confident his side is building towards success despite another semifinal exit
Perth Wildcats coach John Rillie has no doubt his side are moving in the right direction, despite their season ending in the semifinals for the third consecutive year.
After securing their participation in the finals by beating Melbourne United in the play-in game, the Wildcats ultimately proved no match for Sydney Kings in their first-versus-fourth series, with the minor premiers securing a clean sweep by running out 14-point winners in the second game at RAC Arena on Saturday night.
Ben Henshall poured in a season-high 20 points but Kristian Doolittle (15) and Jo Lual-Acuil (nine) being below their best left Perth without the firepower to match the minor premiers, who came away 89-75 victors.
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Wildcats' finals run success story or harsh reality?
David Duke Jr. of the Wildcats looks on after a foul during game two of NBL Playoff Series between the Perth Wildcats and Sydney Kings at RAC Arena on March 14, 2026 in Perth. Photo: Paul Kane/Getty Images
Sydney swept Perth out of the NBL26 Semi-Finals 2-0 after the Wildcats lost the cornerstone of their franchise before the start of the season.
Is it a positive or a negative for the winningest club in NBL history to make it as far as it did without now six-time NBL MVP Bryce Cotton in a season they went 21-12 while searching for a replacement star, including Americans Mason Jones and David Duke Jr?
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