Latest news with #PerthWildcats
West Australian
5 days ago
- Business
- West Australian
Perth Wildcats owner Mark Arena responds to Bryce Cotton bombshell that NBL club parted ways with him
Bryce Cotton dropped a bombshell when he claimed the Perth Wildcats parted ways with him. Now, the club's owner Mark Arena has responded. Cotton revealed the Wildcats ultimately made the call after he refused to make a quick decision about his contract offer at the end of the season. The Five-time NBL MVP has since signed with the Adelaide 36s in a move that shocked the sport. 'As much as people say why did I leave the Wildcats, I didn't technically leave,' Cotton said on The EasyDay Show podcast. 'The Wildcats parted ways with me because I wasn't willing to give an answer back in March.' Cotton said he had told the club he wanted to explore his free agency options when the Wildcats sent his manager a rough draft of an announcement that he was leaving. Instead, he took matters into his own hands. 'When I saw that, I'm like 'No. I'm not going to let you put the word out to the fans. I'll let them hear it from me first because if that's what you decided to do, everything I've given to this city, everything I've given to the club, I'll tell you first I'm not going to be here. 'But they made the business decision to part ways because they didn't want to wait, which is fine. But I don't want to hear all this bitching and complaining when I'm doing what I feel is best for me as a result.' After the bombshell revelations, Arena told the NBL XXXX
Perth Now
5 days ago
- Business
- Perth Now
Wildcats respond to Bryce's NBL bombshell
Bryce Cotton dropped a bombshell when he claimed the Perth Wildcats parted ways with him. Now, the club's owner Mark Arena has responded. Cotton revealed the Wildcats ultimately made the call after he refused to make a quick decision about his contract offer at the end of the season. The Five-time NBL MVP has since signed with the Adelaide 36s in a move that shocked the sport. 'As much as people say why did I leave the Wildcats, I didn't technically leave,' Cotton said on The EasyDay Show podcast. 'The Wildcats parted ways with me because I wasn't willing to give an answer back in March.' Cotton said he had told the club he wanted to explore his free agency options when the Wildcats sent his manager a rough draft of an announcement that he was leaving. Instead, he took matters into his own hands. 'When I saw that, I'm like 'No. I'm not going to let you put the word out to the fans. I'll let them hear it from me first because if that's what you decided to do, everything I've given to this city, everything I've given to the club, I'll tell you first I'm not going to be here. 'But they made the business decision to part ways because they didn't want to wait, which is fine. But I don't want to hear all this bitching and complaining when I'm doing what I feel is best for me as a result.' After the bombshell revelations, Arena told the NBL XXXX
West Australian
21-05-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Alex Sarr: Former Perth Wildcat named to NBA's All-Rookie team
Alex Sarr has been recognised among the NBA's top first-year players, with the Perth Wildcats graduate named to the league's All-Rookie team. Sarr averaged 13 points and 6.5 rebounds per game in 67 appearances for the lowly Wizards after being taken with Pick 2 at last year's draft. But it was the defensive side of the game that shone brightest for the French product, with his 1.5 blocks per game ranking seventh among all NBA players across the regular season. It's the first time a former NBL player has earned an All-Rookie nod since 2020-21, when LaMelo Ball (Charlotte, ex-Illawarra) and Jae-Sean Tate (Houston, ex-Sydney) both achieved selection. Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, from San Antonio, was the sole consensus pick in the All-Rookie side. He and Sarr were joined by Atlanta's Zaccharie Risacher and Memphis duo Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells. Sarr, who finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting, is also Washington's first All-Rookie player since Bradley Beal 12 years ago.
Perth Now
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Sarr's star on the rise! Ex-Wildcat in NBA's All-Rookie team
Alex Sarr has been recognised among the NBA's top first-year players, with the Perth Wildcats graduate named to the league's All-Rookie team. Sarr averaged 13 points and 6.5 rebounds per game in 67 appearances for the lowly Wizards after being taken with Pick 2 at last year's draft. But it was the defensive side of the game that shone brightest for the French product, with his 1.5 blocks per game ranking seventh among all NBA players across the regular season. If you'd like to view this content, please adjust your . To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. It's the first time a former NBL player has earned an All-Rookie nod since 2020-21, when LaMelo Ball (Charlotte, ex-Illawarra) and Jae-Sean Tate (Houston, ex-Sydney) both achieved selection. Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, from San Antonio, was the sole consensus pick in the All-Rookie side. He and Sarr were joined by Atlanta's Zaccharie Risacher and Memphis duo Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells. Alex Sarr was the No.2 pick at last year's draft. Credit: Julia Nikhinson / AP Sarr, who finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting, is also Washington's first All-Rookie player since Bradley Beal 12 years ago.
West Australian
24-04-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
David Okwera earns new contract with Perth Wildcats for 2025-26 NBL season
Perth Wildcats forward David Okwera has been rewarded for the form he showed after being handed more responsibility last season with a new contract. Okwera was thrust into the starting five at key points of last season and showed off his athleticism and versatility. The West Aussie will now remain a Wildcat and attempt to take his game to another level. Wildcats general manager Danny Mills believes Okwera is ready to take key steps in his game. 'We're looking forward to David continuing to develop and grow as a player in our program in NBL26,' Mills said. 'David, who's still only just 22, showed some promising signs last season at both ends of the floor. 'He's got some exciting attributes and we believe he can keep building at NBL level and become a consistent contributor.' Okwera's signing follows the club recruiting Sunday Dech and Lat Mayen in recent days. They also re-signed imports Kristian Doolittle and Dylan Windler along with captain Jesse Wagstaff and guard Elijah Pepper. Coach John Rillie said he has big plans for Okwera next season. 'We see David as a crucial piece of our front-court roster,' Rillie said. 'His development has been steady in his first two seasons at the club and we've seen some exciting glimpses of what he can do at NBL level. We look forward to David continuing that growth in our program next season.' Having begun his career with Melbourne United before moving home to Perth, Okwera said it was important for him to remain living and playing in Western Australia. 'I'm excited to return back to the Wildcats for a third season,' Okwera said. 'Perth is home. I love playing in front of my family, friends and the entire Red Army at RAC Arena. I'm looking forward to furthering my development with more opportunities under the Wildcats.'
