Sunday Dech: Guard returns to Perth Wildcats on three-year NBL deal
Olympian and two-time NBL champion Sunday Dech says he can't wait to head 'back home' to Perth, with the Wildcats securing the hard-nosed guard on a three-year deal.
Dech was a part of the 'Cats squad for titles in 2013-14 and 2018-19, with the South Sudanese-Australian enjoying success in the west after starting as a development player with his hometown team.
Having had stops at Illawarra and Adelaide, and rising to become one of the NBL's best defensive guards, Dech is now back in Wildcats red to help add depth to the club's backcourt amid the exit of Bryce Cotton.
'When you grow up and it's your childhood team and then you end up playing for them, it's always something you dream of, coming in and finishing your career at the team where it all started,' Dech said.
'By no means am I close to finishing my career, but it is something that I'm excited and grateful that it's happened earlier, rather than later in my career.
'I had a really good foundation at the Cats with a lot of good veterans and a lot of people that I looked up to.
'Over my time in Adelaide and Illawarra, I've been able to gain a wealth of knowledge there as well.
'I'm looking forward to coming back and trying to use that to push our team forward as much as I can and I'm excited to be back home in the red and black.'
Dech represented South Sudan at last year's Olympics, and was in the starting line-up for 14 games at the 36ers last season to help lead the side into the NBL's play-in tournament.
Wildcats general manager Danny Mills described Dech as 'a respected leader throughout the league' who would give Perth's roster a big boost.
'He adds great size and depth on the wing, brings versatility on the defensive end, and his skill set offensively fits well with the core group of players we have returning.'
Dech will be reunited with Jesse Wagstaff in Perth after the veteran recommitted for a 17th NBL season, while import duo Kristian Doolittle and Dylan Windler have also been signed up as the Wildcats begin the post-Cotton era.
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