PERTH, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 20: Dylan Windler of the Wildcats drives to the key during the round one NBL match between Perth Wildcats and Tasmania Jackjumpers at RAC Arena, on September 20, 2025, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
The Perth Wildcats’ new import, Dylan Windler, has cautioned fans to temper their expectations as the team works to find its rhythm in the ongoing NBL season. Following a narrow defeat to Tasmania on March 9, 2024, Windler emphasized that it may take several weeks for the newly formed squad to develop the necessary cohesion.
In their recent match, the Wildcats lost 75-72 to the JackJumpers, struggling to establish a unified playing style. This lack of synergy stems from a disrupted pre-season, where the team faced challenges including injuries, international commitments, and the staggered timing of player signings. Windler pointed out that patience is key, particularly for new import Mason Jones, who has only been in Australia for a fortnight.
Windler stated, “We’ll learn quick. Maybe a couple of weeks or so. You can drill things a lot in practice, but transferring those into a game when you’re in a live, hostile environment, especially on the road, is hard.” His comments reflect a broader understanding that practice cannot fully replicate the intensity of actual competition.
Team Dynamics and Upcoming Challenges
The Wildcats have been focused on improving their game strategy, dedicating time to film reviews and identifying areas for offensive enhancement. Windler noted that the presence of numerous new players in the squad means adapting to coaching adjustments is crucial for their development. “We’ve had a competitive last couple of practices,” he added, underscoring the team’s commitment to growth.
As the Wildcats prepare for a challenging road trip, they will fly to New Zealand on March 15, 2024, to face the Breakers the following day. Windler is determined to make a stronger contribution than he did against Tasmania, where he managed only three points, with his sole basket coming from a three-pointer after taking just seven shots during the game.
Reflecting on his performance, Windler acknowledged, “I didn’t have as many looks as I would like to get. But give Tassie credit. They did a good job on the defensive end at taking away a lot of our strengths.” His self-analysis demonstrates a commitment to improvement and the understanding that each game is an opportunity to learn.
Windler’s pre-season performance had shown promise, and he is keen to escalate his impact on the scoreboard as the season progresses. Following the match against Tasmania, he took immediate steps to analyze his performance, stating, “I watched the game a couple of times back that night to see what I could have done better and to improve myself and as a team as well. There are a few things I picked up on.”
As the Wildcats work to forge a cohesive unit, Windler’s insights and leadership will be vital in navigating the challenges ahead in the NBL season.
