Wildcats lock in star import

The Perth Wildcats have taken a significant step forward in retaining their roster for the NBL26 season, signing Kristian Doolittle to a three-year contract extension.

Doolittle had an impressive season, averaging 15.4 points and 7.8 rebounds a game, highlighting by a huge 37-point game against Melbourne United in the Playoff decider.

The 27-year-old will return for his third season in the NBL.

“I’m excited to commit my long-term future to the Wildcats and call Perth home,” Doolittle said. 

“The club has been really good to me and my family and I’ve enjoyed my first two seasons at the Wildcats under head coach John Rillie, who has the same dedication to winning as myself.

“To come so close to qualifying for this season’s championship series only fuels my desire to win a title with the Wildcats and I believe we are heading in the right direction to achieve the ultimate success.”

Rillie said Doolittle would be key to the Wildcats’ fortunes in years to come.

“We’re really happy to have Kristian back at the Wildcats for another three years after watching his growth as a player and leader over the last couple of seasons,” Rillie said.

“It was great to see Kristian become a real leader in our group this season. He’s the ultimate professional and has an infectious desire for winning.

“Kristian is such a consistent contributor at both ends of the floor and highlighted his importance to the team with an elite playoff series and back end of the season once he returned from injury.”

The club is still to come to terms with five-time MVP Bryce Cotton, with the West Australian recently reporting he’d be offered the biggest deal in NBL history to stay in Perth.