Very disappointing in the way the Cats played and were coached last night. Defensive structure fell apart early in the game, and JR hand nothing to solve the problems, for such a talented roster petty pathetic display, cotton appeared frustrated at times, others looked like they didn't want to be there.

https://www.wildcats.com.au/news/wildcats-complete-nbl25-roster-with-ex-nba-sharpshooter

Written By Jordan McArdle

Perth Wildcats’ NBL25 roster is complete with the addition of former first-round NBA draft pick Dylan Windler.

The 27-year-old, who was drafted with pick 26 in the 2019 by Cleveland, played five seasons in the NBA, predominantly with the Cavs.

He also had stints with New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Atlanta Hawks during his 100-plus game NBA career.

The left-handed Windler has made a name for himself with his high-level three-point shooting, rebounding and athleticism.

Earlier this year, Windler broke the G-League rebounding record with a whopping 33, nine more than the previous best, while playing for Knicks affiliate Westchester.

“Dylan will bring a high level of shot-making to the group,” Wildcats head coach John Rillie said.

“Rebounding has been something consistently has shown he can do at a high level for his position.

“Those two traits alone should help the Wildcats.”

"We believe Dylan is an excellent addition to our returning group of players, completing our roster for the NBL25 season,” Wildcats general manager of basketball operations Danny Mills added.

"With five years of NBA experience, his strengths with his perimeter shooting, rebounding from the wing, and athleticism perfectly align with what we were seeking for this final roster spot.

"We’re excited to welcome Dylan and his wife Lauren to Perth and the Wildcats family, and we can’t wait to see the impact he’ll make on the court this season."

Windler said he was first in touch with coach Rillie during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, while playing for Atlanta Hawks.

Rillie was over there as part of New Orleans Pelicans’ coaching setup for the tournament.

“I first met Coach Rillie in Vegas during Summer League.

“He came up to me and expressed his interest in me as a player and what I had to offer to the team after watching our games.

“After that brief encounter, they reached out to my agent and talks continued from there.

Windler said it didn’t take long to learn about the Wildcats’ proud history and winning tradition, something he’s striving to add to.

“I’ve done a little bit of research in the time leading up to my decision, and I quickly noticed the winning tradition that Perth has carried for a long time in the NBL.

“I plan on bringing a winning mentality and work ethic to the team, doing whatever I need to do to help the team succeed.”

Windler is set to arrive in Perth over the weekend and join the Wildcats on their historic trip to Japan.

“Adding Dylan now will allow him to integrate with our team through our 8 preseason games,” Rillie said.

“This will allow him to to be up to speed ahead of our season opener against South East Melbourne Phoenix at RAC Arena on Friday 20 September.”

UPDATE - 16 August 2024 @ 11:09am:

Thank you all for your questions! I've finished the AMA. Looking forward to your support for the upcoming season! Feel free to follow me on @ WildcatsMark on X/Twitter and Instagram. Please send in any additional feedback you've got to wildcats@wildcats.com.au. We can't guarantee that we'll respond to every email we receive but I promise that we will read every email. Thanks again!

Hi all,

Mark Arena here. I'll be answering questions Friday between 9:30am and 11am Perth time for anyone interested if you want to get into your questions before then. Looking forward to hearing your feedback, questions and ideas. Thanks

https://preview.redd.it/i2jdzeqrsjid1.jpg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5cdc7452acd4a36a16b6257bf51c2e15dabd0ad4

I've just heard Craig Hutchison's comments on footy classified re tanking. Yes, I know the NBL doesn't have a draft, as such, but to hear these comments must be a concern to this organisation!

For me it’s Tacko Fall ....would love watch the big man play .... I can dare to dream!!

Just looking to see what interest is out there, I have a basketball signed by the 1990 Perth Wildcats team (first NBL Championship i believe). My parents gave it to me as a birthday present and it's sat in a box ever since. Any value to this? Thanks to all!

https://preview.redd.it/7movqnof3bg91.jpg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3098d332948e409647f8d5b134fe2513b85e30a8

From Tar Heels Wire

https://tarheelswire.usatoday.com/2022/07/28/brady-manek-inks-deal-with-perth-wildcats-australias-top-team/

Welcome to the Jungle Brady.....

Highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Fv8Fn1YnSM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjbRRbGRFsA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wy_KfSHueTQ

So with WA not opening now, where does this leave the Wildcats and our season. No teams are going to want to quarantine for two weeks to play them. Do we play interstate?

I'm doing a bit of research and wondered if somebody might be able to help.

Does anybody have a complete list of Wildcats coaches, season by season? Wiki lists the coaches per season but it is incomplete. For example, Jay Bremher is listed as coach in 1985 and 1986 but his all-time coaching record lists him as coaching one less game than the Wildcats played in those two seasons. Plus, John Gardiner (long linked to the Wildcats and was an assistant coach in 1987) is listed as coaching (and losing) four NBL games. I assume he coached the Wildcats but cannot confirm. It also appears Adrian Hurley missed a game as head coach and was replaced by David Hancock, but I cannot confirm what year that happened.

Thanks!