Perth adds Pepper for NBL25

The Perth Wildcats have locked away one of Australia’s best up and coming guards for NBL25, and have signed UC Davis star Elijah Pepper to a two-year deal, the second of which contains a club option.

Shepparton-born Pepper has plied his trade with collegiate side UC Davis for the past five seasons, where he has averaged over 20 points per game in each of the last two seasons.

The 193cm guard moved to the United States as a child, but is classified as a local due to having been born in Australia.

“Elijah is an exciting addition to our back-court roster,” Wildcats General Manager of Basketball Operations Danny Mills said.

“His college record at UC Davis over the past five years speaks for itself and he brings a high level of scoring ability and an elite work ethic.

“With Elijah being a local player, it gives us some added flexibility with our NBL25 roster with one import spot still open.”

Pepper - who was named this season's Big West Player of the Year - says his work ethic will allow him to have an instant impact at the Wildcats, which are sentiments echoed by head coach John Rillie.

“It means a lot, I’m super grateful to be in this position and signing for such a great organisation. I’m excited to get going.” Pepper said.

“I pride myself on working as hard as I can and getting into the gym and getting the reps up so that I’m ready to work on the court when it comes to game time.”

“Elijah processes a competitive nature and a great work ethic that will allow him to have success early in his professional career as a Wildcat,” Rillie said.

“His strengths as a player are his ability to score and shoot the ball. At the defensive end of the floor he has good instincts that allow him to be disruptive at that end of the floor.”