Wildcats sharpshooter muscles into award race

The Perth Wildcats and their fans have been counting down to Brandon Knight's arrival, and the former NBA guard looks set to finally make his debut against the New Zealand Breakers on Saturday night.

The wait has tested the patience of the Red Army, but it has also opened the door for others, none more so than Elijah Pepper.

Three rounds into NBL27, the sharpshooter is averaging a career-high 23.5 points, fifth-best in the League, and has scored 25 or more in each of his past three games. That form has him on the fringe of the MVP conversation, albeit in a stacked field.

He's also played a key role in his team starting the campaign with a 3-1 record, even before their star recruit arrives.

The League's top honour isn't on Pepper's mind right now, but another major award is.

"I think I could win Most Improved Player this year," Pepper told Fox Sports. "And that's definitely one of my goals."

The 25-year-old has a strong case, even if it's early days. He averaged 7.1 points in NBL25, then 10.5 last season. Now he's scoring 23.5 points in 35 minutes a night, while shooting career-bests of 45.7 per cent from the field and 35.0 per cent from beyond the arc.

But his improvement goes well beyond the scoreboard.

"I definitely think I've improved a lot, both offensively and defensively," he said. "I think my first year just being able to guard the ball at a good level was kind of my issue.

"And then I felt like second year at times I could just get really one dimensional. It was three or bust, so to speak."

Pepper is still best known for his three-point shooting, but he is adding more elements to his game.

He said a key area of growth has been "being able to not just rely solely on the three pointer because there's games where you go 0-6 from 3."

"I think I've improved in that aspect as well as if the threes aren't falling, being able to get to the rim or get to the floater, the mid range and stuff like that will definitely help."

That all-round game gives him a legitimate claim to stay in the starting line-up, even once Knight becomes a regular in the Wildcats' rotation.

Pepper said he prefers to start and find his rhythm early, but accepts that the decision rests with coach John Rillie and he's happy to play whatever role is best for the team.

The Wildcats host the Breakers on Saturday night, live on ESPN, 9 and 9Now from 9:30pm AEDT.

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