Wildcats to embark on historic Japan trip

Wednesday, August 7, 2024

“It’s been wonderful connecting with the B-League teams, and we look forward to strengthening these relationships over the course of the trip and coming years."

The Perth Wildcats will embark on a historic Japan trip later this month to take on a trio of star-studded B-League outfits.

The Wildcats face reigning East Asia Super League (EASL) champions Chiba Jets, the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins and Yokohama B-Corsairs during their pre-season tour as preparations ramp up for NBL25.

It’s the first time the 10-time NBL champions have played against teams from the powerful Japanese competition in their 42-year history.

The Jets have strong ties with the Wildcats, highlighted by five-time championship mentor Trevor Gleeson who recently signed on as head coach.

Former import John Mooney is also part of a strong Chiba setup, having moved there from Perth three seasons ago after winning the club’s Gordon Ellis MVP award and earning All-NBL First Team honours.

Ex-Wildcats assistant coach Shawn Dennis is at the helm of the Diamond Dolphins, the team’s first opponents of the tour on Saturday 31 August.

The Jets are next up on Monday 2 September, before the 10-day trip concludes against Yokohama on Wednesday 4 September.

We’re heading to Japan! 🇯🇵

The Perth Wildcats will embark on a historic Japan trip later this month to take on a trio of star-studded @B_LEAGUE outfits in the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins, Chiba Jets and Yokohama B-Corsairs.

Read more: https://t.co/RROrpji7Zz pic.twitter.com/iTQIBSdv7T
— Perth Wildcats (@PerthWildcats) August 7, 2024

“We believe this tour will be ideal preparation for our group leading into NBL25, offering both on-court experience and a chance for the team to bond off the floor and learn about Japanese culture,” Wildcats General Manager of Basketball Operations Danny Mills said.

“It’s been wonderful connecting with the B-League teams, and we look forward to strengthening these relationships over the course of the trip and coming years.

“Building on the success of last year’s US trip, where we played the NBA G-League Ignite in Las Vegas, we are optimistic that bringing the club and brand into such an exciting basketball market will not only benefit our team and players individually, but also our brand on the global stage.

“A big thank you to the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins, Chiba Jets, and Yokohama B-Corsairs for their hospitality and for making this tour possible.”