Perth Wildcats owner Mark Arena wants to strengthen the pathway between the NBL1 West and his Perth Wildcats.
In past seasons, many Wildcats have played in the NZNBL’s Otaga Nuggets, which the former owners of the Wildcats also owned.
However, with a new owner in charge, Arena wants his players to stay in the state and spend their offseason with NBL1 West clubs.
This past season four Perth players played in the NBL1 West: Michael Harris and Todd Withers (Warwick Senators). Thomas Gerovich (Willetton Tigers) and David Okwera (East Perth Eagles).
Arena met with NBL1 teams last week according to The West Australian, to explain his plan to build stronger working relationships with them.
“Some of them might want to go elsewhere like Europe or Puerto Rico, but we have a strong preference for guys to stay in WA and Perth and play in the NBL1 in the off-season,” Arena told The West Australian.
“Also, a number of our assistants from the coaching staff are going to stay here in the off-season. So if they’re in a NBL1 team, they can stay here and work out with our coaching staff on the day where they’re not training with NBL1 teams.
“If we push our NBL players to stay here in Perth and join up with a NBL1 team, we can raise that level. We want to be the best in Australia.”
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