Wildcats believe their best is yet to come

Perth Wildcats associate head coach Mike Kelly thinks the team’s best basketball is yet to come.

The Wildcats currently sit in 5th position on the NBL ladder with a 5-5 record, turning around a record-breaking 5 game losing streak with wins against Adelaide and South-East Melbourne.

Kelly said there was never any doubt within the organisation that they would right the ship.

“We’ve probably been a bit more consistent with our defence, and that’s something that needs to continue to improve for us to consistently win,” he told Sports Breakfast.

“We’ve had different guys step up… Corey Webster’s been really instrumental during this time, TaShawn Thomas has gotten back after his little ankle injury, and Bryce [Cotton] has continued to play consistently well.”

Kelly was full of praise for import Brady Manek, a first year pro out of American college basketball who turned around some early season struggles with 25 points against the 36ers and 21 points against the Phoenix.

“It took him a little while to get comfortable, and just make shots really,” he said.

“I think he’s enjoyed his time here, it’s just being in a new situation in a new country away from family for the first time, I guess they’re all factors that hit guys in different ways.

“It took him a little while to find his groove, and he’s found it now, well and truly, and he’s shooting the ball really well.”

Adelaide have had a rocky start after coming into the season on the back of a preseason win against the NBA’s Phoenix Suns, with import guard Craig Randall, who was 3rd in the league in scoring with an average of 20.3 points per game, no longer with the team.

“They’re a different team, they seem to be a little more free-flowing and super talented still,” Kelly said.

“They’ve had 3 games, our game and 2 games after, we’ve been able to look at.

“We just want to try and stop the ball movement and slow them down and stop them getting everywhere they want on the court easily.”

The Wildcats game against Adelaide tips off at RAC Arena at 6:30 pm AWST time on Thursday night.

IMAGE: FILE