Perth Wildcats head coach John Rillie has made a passionate plea for star import Kristian Doolittle to be awarded the NBL's prestigious Defensive Player of the Year trophy, asserting that the American forward's defensive prowess is consistently overlooked in award discussions.
Coach Rillie Champions Doolittle's Defensive Versatility
Following a commanding 98-84 victory over the Cairns Taipans at RAC Arena, where Doolittle delivered a season-best performance with 32 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, Rillie shifted focus to his player's defensive capabilities. The coach expressed bewilderment that Doolittle is rarely mentioned in conversations about key NBL awards, despite his exceptional versatility on the court.
"If you were to just line up and play one on one, he can defend every player in the league. Tell me one other player that has that ability," Rillie challenged. "I ask him to do that. Last week it was JaVale McGee, then it's a point-guard and then it is Jack McVeigh. So as far as versatility and wanting the challenge, if anyone thinks someone else can defend one through five with the ability that he does, please let me know."
Doolittle's Impact on Wildcats' Resurgence
Rillie emphasised that Doolittle's recent form has been instrumental in the Wildcats' improved performance, noting a direct correlation between his productivity and the team's success. "He is very versatile all over the floor and his last month has been very productive. He's probably the correlation to the way we're playing," the coach added, highlighting Doolittle's role in Perth's push towards the finals.
The win against Cairns propelled the Wildcats into fourth position on the NBL ladder, applying pressure on Melbourne United ahead of their upcoming clash with Adelaide. Should United triumph, they would reclaim fourth spot, but Perth is poised to remain a persistent threat in the tightly contested standings.
Supporting Cast Shines in Crucial Victory
While Doolittle's offensive outburst captured headlines, several teammates contributed significantly to the Wildcats' triumph. Jo Lual-Acuil maintained his strong form with 27 points and six rebounds, demonstrating his reliability in the frontcourt.
Ben Henshall, who returned to the game late in the final quarter after navigating foul trouble, played a pivotal role in transforming a narrow three-point lead into a comfortable victory. His composure and ability to execute key plays under pressure underscored his growing importance to the squad this season.
Dylan Windler recorded a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds, providing valuable support on both ends of the floor. However, the most memorable moment came from veteran captain Jesse Wagstaff, who electrified the crowd with a rare slam dunk during the final quarter.
Teammates Marvel at Wagstaff's Dunk
Doolittle expressed amazement at Wagstaff's athletic feat, sharing his reaction in the locker room post-game. "I've never seen him do that before," Doolittle admitted. "We were talking about it in the locker room after the game. The move itself – the reverse spin, push out and then I was expecting a floater or trying to draw a foul or something. He went up and dunked it. I think my reaction says it all."
Cairns Taipans Show Resilience in Defeat
Despite the loss, the Cairns Taipans remained competitive throughout the contest. Andrew Andrews delivered a standout performance with 26 points, six rebounds, and seven assists, showcasing his all-around skills. Mojave King contributed 21 points and eight rebounds, while Jack McVeigh added 18 points, six rebounds, and five assists, keeping the Taipans within striking distance until the final moments.
The Wildcats now enjoy a full week off before facing the last-placed Brisbane Bullets, providing an opportunity to consolidate their position in the top four as the regular season approaches its climax.
