'Surprising' decision forces Wildcat to 'step up'

All eyes were on Perth last week, in more ways than one.

Firstly, the second-ever HoopsFest was staged in the Western Australian capital, with nine exciting games of NBL and WNBL action being played across a massive four days at RAC Arena.

As well as that, the Wildcats were on the clock if they wanted to sign an Injury Replacement Player in time to qualify for the post-season, with both guards David Duke Jr (elbow) and Jaron Rillie (hamstring) set for extended stints on the sidelines.

But ultimately, the Wildcats decided to stay the course and not bring in another player, with the club hopeful that American import Duke Jr can return to the hardwood sooner rather than later.

"There were a couple of guys that were really interesting, but at the end of the day we feel really confident with this group,” GM of Basketball Operations Danny Mills said on ESPN.

“We have ultimate belief in this group. We love this team.

“The longer we went through this week, the more confidence we had in where he’s (Duke Jr) at with his rehab.

“It’s definitely not something that we think is going to be season-ending. It’s going to be sooner rather than later, which is really exciting.

“We made the decision, basically today [Friday], we’re sticking with this group and this is the team we think we can get to the end (Championship Series).”

This decision by the 15-10 Wildcats, who still have eight regular season matches before the post-season, surprised plenty, including two-time NBL champion Andrew Parkinson.

"It's easy for me to sit here and say they should have picked up another import and brought in someone but I am surprised [they made this decision]," Parkinson said on Tuesday's episode of NBL Now.

"That way, if Duke Jr. did get to come back, they would then have the choice, with four imports [at their disposal] for a Playoff run. It also means they don't have to rush him back too.

"If someone else gets injured, that would be a great luxury to have. But it does cost money.

"[But without Rillie and Duke Jr] they really do need help with another ball handler, and someone is going to have to step up in that area."

The two obvious candidates for this are rising stars, Ben Henshall and Elijah Pepper, who scored 15 and 7 points respectively in Friday's win over Illawarra.

If those two do click and Duke Jr returns in the coming weeks, Parkinson believes John Rillie's outfit should still be aiming for a top-four finish, if not higher.

"[Despite the injuries] they should be looking at that top four spot because they're not far away from fourth-placed United, who have a 16-10 record," Parkinson said.

"If they get rolling too, I wouldn't rule them out finishing in the top two either."

Perth will look to continue that Playoff push on Thursday night when they host Cairns at RAC Arena from 9.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.