MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 10: Elijah Pepper of the Wildcats and Ben Henshall of the Wildcats celebrate the win during the round 16 NBL match between South East Melbourne Phoenix and Perth Wildcats at State Basketball Centre, on January 10, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)
URGENT UPDATE: The Perth Wildcats secured a thrilling 107-97 victory over the South East Melbourne Phoenix on November 3, 2023, but the win came at a cost. Star player Jaron Rillie suffered a potential hamstring injury late in the game, raising immediate concerns for the team’s future.
The Wildcats, facing a daunting 2-7 record against top four teams, exploded in the first quarter with 32 points, demonstrating their determination to turn their season around at Victoria’s State Basketball Centre. However, Rillie’s exit in the final quarter, after clutching his right hamstring, overshadowed the victory. This injury follows his recent return from a similar issue that kept him sidelined for seven weeks.
Coach John Rillie is under pressure to make decisions regarding a replacement for David Duke Jr., who remains uncertain for the rest of the season. Despite calls from experts like Lanard Copeland urging immediate action, Rillie emphasized the need for a strategic approach, stating, “When you make knee jerk reaction decisions it is usually a poor one.”
The urgency is palpable as the Wildcats have less than two weeks before the deadline to sign a replacement player. The team must balance immediate needs with long-term strategy, especially as they look to build on their recent success, winning four out of their last five games.
Key performances from players like Kristian Doolittle, who scored 24 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, and Dylan Windler, who contributed 27 points and 8 rebounds, have showcased the Wildcats’ potential. Elijah Pepper also stepped up, adding 18 points to the scoreboard.
Rillie praised his players for maintaining composure under pressure, particularly after their previous struggles in close matches. He noted, “We are approaching our practices and our games the way we want to, versus worrying about what everyone wants to talk about the Perth Wildcats.”
As the Wildcats prepare for their next challenge, the focus will remain on sustaining their winning momentum while navigating the uncertainties surrounding player injuries. The team is determined to build confidence and continue their upward trajectory as they head back to their home court at RAC Arena.
The situation is developing rapidly, and fans will be eagerly watching for updates on Rillie’s condition and any potential player signings in the days ahead. Stay tuned for the latest as the Perth Wildcats aim to fortify their lineup and maintain their winning streak.
