Back on Dech: Sunday embraces Wildcats’ new era

Sunday Dech is set for his ninth NBL season, but this one hits differently as he returns to the west for the first time since 2019.

“I’m super excited, obviously to be coming back home, but playing in front of the Red Army, and getting to work with my new teammates and coaches,” he told Wildcats media.

Dech’s journey in Perth began as a nominated replacement player for Damian Martin and Mitch Norton seven years ago. Since then, the 31-year-old has grown into one of the best defensive guards in the league.

It’s a skillset he believes will make for a seamless transition into his new team.

“It’s about trying to replicate what the coaches want to instil in the group: a defensive team with size, length, and speed, and offensive versatility,” he said.

“We've got guys who can put the ball in the rim at a high level, but now we've got the bodies who can go up and down for 40 minutes.”

As Dech returns home from a Japan trip with the NBL Select team, he’s locked into the next step with Perth, as NBL26 fast approaches.

“Pre-season is going to be really good for us to gel, get together, and just understand each other’s nuances, and really put JR (John Rillie) and the coaching staff’s game plan into play.

“We’ve got a lot of pre-season games, which is really good.

“As an athlete, that’s what you want. You want to put the things you work on in practice into play quickly before they matter.

“The season’s around the corner, and I think everyone on the roster is really looking forward to playing in front of the Red Army.”

Read more here >> From Japan to the Jungle: Sunday Dech on NBL Select Trip and Perth Wildcats Next Chapter