Withers proving perfect Plan B

Todd Withers continues to prove what a masterstroke it has been by the Perth Wildcats to sign him for NBL25, after he played a pivotal role in the win over Tasmania.

The 28-year-old hit four three-pointers on Thursday night, scoring 12 points in 19 minutes of action. 

The Wildcats have three top level imports on their roster with Bryce Cotton, Kristian Doolittle and Dylan Windler. That means when Withers agreed to come on board as a Nominated Replacement Player, there was every chance he'd never get to resume his NBL career.

The versatile 28-year-old was previously an import at the Adelaide 36ers before spending two seasons in the NZNBL at the Otago Nuggets, and then returned to Australia to play with the Warwick Senators of the NBL1 West, alongside Michael Harris and Cody Ellis in 2024.

That put him on the radar of the Wildcats and they were keen to have him on board, but they didn’t have a spare roster spot and could make no promises.

He's now played six games for the season, either replacing Windler or Cotton, and on Thursday night against the Tasmania JackJumpers he had a big say in the victory.

"I can only talk about Todd Withers in this moment and that guy doesn’t understand what's going to happen from him day-to-day, and game-to-game," coach John Rillie said.

"So for him to come in and take that opportunity tonight is a great story and it's unbelievable for Todd, and also for his teammates for the way they embrace him and what he is for this team.

"Every guy has that story with the young guys (Ben Henshall, Elijah Pepper) with what they are doing, along with Keanu (Pinder) and Tai Webster came in and changed the dynamic of the game with that athleticism.

"What I like is how everyone finds their moment to contribute and their teammates are excited for that to happen."

Rillie is fully aware that Withers is in a tricky situation with no guarantees of playing.

"It was tremendous that he wanted to be part of it in that situation," Rillie said.

"It's tough being an import let alone an import in that type of situation, so for him to be comfortable with that, and for our team to embrace and hopefully make it an easy transition for him that means it's beneficial for everyone involved."

As an import himself, Doolittle knows the pressures and challenges.

"We know Todd and he comes ready to go every practice," Doolittle added.

"Unfortunately he's in a situation where he doesn’t know if he's going to play, but he prepares like he is and he has been able to step up for us.

"He's been a great addition to our team and he allows us to do a lot of different things offensively, and defensively.

"He's a very good on-ball defender and it's credit to him and we as a team appreciate the effort that he gives us understanding his situation. He's a great teammate and he cheers all of us on."