Cotton calls for patience in Perth process

Perth star Bryce Cotton has called for patience as the Wildcats continue to develop their game-plan, following the side’s Sunday defeat to the Sydney Kings.

The Wildcats opened their season with a brilliant 101-95 win over Tasmania, but now sit eighth on the ladder following back-to-back defeats to Sydney and Melbourne.

The only other win Perth has registered so far this season was a seven-point win over Adelaide in Round 2.

“It’s going to be a process where some nights it looks like we have it all together, and then there’ll be nights like this where it looks a little bit patchy,” Cotton said post-game.

“But that’s part of the process and we’re still trying to figure it out but I believe we will get there.

“That’s the way you have to approach it. We’ve only played four or five games so far and there’s no sense in losing the confidence in the team at this point.”

One of the most detrimental parts of Perth’s game last season was its inability to consistently compete on the glass, and despite the recruitment of inside beast Keanu Pinder, those problems have continued.

Sydney outrebounded the Wildcats by 19 boards over the course of the game, which led to the Kings scoring 25 second chance points to Perth’s 13.

“When we don’t rebound it’s a tough night for us,” head coach John Rillie said.

“Although we didn’t play great against Melbourne, we competed with them on the backboard and tonight the Kings did a great job on the glass.

“I think we were down 14 on the glass in the first half, and the extra possessions get to you over time.

“You can cut the cake a million different ways. When you’re evaluating we just weren’t good enough tonight.”

Perth will play just once in Round4. They will travel to Adelaide to take on the 36ers on Saturday night.