Wildcats young gun under injury cloud

Just when it seemed John Rillie was going to have a full complement of players available to him for the first time during the Hungry Jack's NBL26 season, one of his stars has suffered a training injury.

Sharpshooter Elijah Pepper finished Monday's session with ice on his left ankle, leaving him under an injury cloud ahead of the club's Ignite Cup clash with Brisbane at RAC Arena.

This news comes in the wake of the impending return of defensive guard Sunday Dech from a pre-season calf injury, following numerous strong sessions on court.

During Monday’s media availability, Perth skipper Jesse Wagstaff, who dealt with his own training injury (fractured larynx) last week, spoke about Dech’s importance.

The Wildcats currently sit in third with a 3-1 record.

“Listening to the court when he’s on it, he brings a great voice. To be able to get after it defensively, bring that voice and lead like that is huge,” Wagstaff said.

“I still see him as quite young, but he’s been around the traps for a while and is quite experienced now. That experience is a great asset.

“He’s also talented offensively. I don’t think people give him credit enough for that. He’ll slot in really well. He moves the ball well and finds guys. He’s a big piece.”

Wednesday's Ignite Cup game tips off at 9.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.