Perth Wildcats import Dylan Windler to play his first match in NBL Blitz game against New Zealand Breakers

Perth Wildcats import Dylan Windler will make his highly anticipated unveiling on Sunday when he plays for the club for the first time during the NBL Blitz. The former first round NBA draft pick only arrived in Australia two weeks ago but didn’t play in Japan due to an ankle injury. He has now been cleared to play against New Zealand Breakers on the Gold Coast and all eyes will be on how he slots into the group with his scoring power and rebounding expected to significantly strengthen the team. The Wildcats have already shown they have strong depth after impressing during their three-game tour of Japan. It was the second year in a row that the Wildcats flew overseas to prepare for the season. Last year they went to the US to play against G-League Ignite. Captain Jesse Wagstaff said it was the ideal way to get players ready for the NBL season. “I’ve certainly been a long time believer of getting guys away,” Wagstaff said. “You spend a bunch of time together away before the season and learn about the guys on and off the court. It’s a different style of play in Japan too. You have to think as a group and learn on your feet. “There was a style in the G-League too and the NBL certainly has a style as well. Any time you can expose yourself to different types of games where you have to think and guard a different player, you will develop yourself.” Meanwhile, Australian tennis superstar Nick Kyrgios has become the latest celebrity to confirm he’ll be in Perth for HoopsFest. Kyrgios is a part owner of South East Melbourne Phoenix and they will play the Wildcats in round one. He will join big names such as Carmelo Anthony, Luc Longley and DJ Hayden James in Perth for the event. “It’s going to be a great event with all 10 NBL teams in the one place for the opening round, and I can’t wait to experience it,” Kyrgios said.