Hools is Hearing: Homecoming heroes?

As the Free Agency period officially opens on Friday, rumours are beginning to swirl throughout the league.

While much of the attention is understandably on the player movement we saw last season, that hasn’t stopped teams from exploring all their options ahead of NBL26.

That being said, Hools is Hearing ... two of the best local talents currently playing overseas are open to, and have a desire to return to the NBL if the situation is right.

Will McDowell-White and Yanni Wetzell, currently teammates at Alba Berlin in Germany’s top league, have both kept a close eye on the NBL since going abroad.

While both would undoubtedly command significant contracts, it’s worth noting the gaps across several teams that these marquee-level players could potentially fill.

Last season, McDowell-White was the major domino ahead of the free agency period, with many teams listing the star guard as their number one priority, before he ultimately chose to sign with Berlin.

The 26-year-old has made a strong impact in European competition and is expected to receive significant interest there again.

We last saw Wetzell in the NBL in 2022 with the Breakers, where he averaged over 17 points and eight rebounds per game. Since then, he’s spent three seasons in Berlin and is currently enjoying his most dominant statistical year yet — including a 29-point performance earlier this week in just 23 minutes.

As previously mentioned, the offer would have to be significant and appropriate, but both players would always find interest from around the league for any team able to provide that.

The New Zealand Breakers’ new ownership group has already signalled its intent to bring in more local talent, so Wetzell could very well be part of that plan. McDowell-White also has history with the club, along with a strong relationship with Wetzell — both on and off the court.

While the Wildcats have Matthew Dellavedova as a top priority, they were among the leading candidates to land McDowell-White last year before he opted to head overseas. Perhaps the door opens for both players to return, potentially bookending Perth’s starting five with two high-quality locals.