The Young Core Exciting Red Army

Tuesday, July 11, 2023

Perth General Manager of Basketball Danny Mills has praised the young core the Wildcats have recruited for NBL24.

Photo: @DiscoveryOne_Photography

The Perth Wildcats have undergone something of a roster refresh heading into NBL24. With the additions of Next Star Alexandre Sarr, exciting local guards Ben Henshall and Dontae Russo-Nance, and former Melbourne forward David Okwera, the club has approached the current free agency period with a noted desire to add some youthful exuberance to its roster.

While key veterans Jesse Wagstaff, Bryce Cotton, and Corey and Tai Webster have been retained, Wildcats General Manager of Basketball Danny Mills couldn’t be more excited about the addition of some of the NBL’s most exciting young talent.

“I was fortunate to be in Atlanta for two days and got to see Ben [Henshall] live,” Mills said. “Unbelievable.

“The way they played, they stood out in there and Ben – over the last year-and-a-half, two years, the way he’s evolved his game playing on the ball at the CoE – he was able to shoot off the dribble, get downhill and attack the rim.

“Defensively we think he’s going to have a chance to play right away and compete for minutes.

“To have a prospect like that locked in with Alex Sarr, Dontae Russo-Nance, David Okwera ... we’re really excited about that young core coming through.”

While Henshall’s performances at the NBA Academy Games have piqued the interest of the Wildcats faithful, Sarr’s showings at the FIBA U19 World Cup proved why he’s such a highly sort after NBA Draft prospect.

The 18-year-old played a key role in France’s run to the final where, unfortunately for Sarr, they lost to an all-conquering Spain side.

Mills believes Sarr’s performance at the World Cup offered a glimpse into the type of player he’s going to be with the Wildcats.

“I think you’re going to see a 7’1” phenom who has a 7’5” wingspan, defensive presence guy that can alter shots at the rim [and] rebounds the ball.

“Offensively I think he’s a work in progress. He’s versatile, he can step out and hit corner threes, he comfortable on the perimeter.

“I think the biggest adjustment will be the physicality of the NBL, and once he gets through the I think he’s clearly going to be an NBA player down the road.

“We’re excited to be a part of the process of getting him to the NBA Draft next year.”

The Wildcats will open their NBL24 season against the Tasmania JackJumpers on Friday, September 29.