No panic in Perth: Wildcats play the long game

It’s been quiet since the Wildcats re-signed David Okwera on April 24, but owner Mark Arena is confident the club is laying the groundwork to compete for a title.

“You don’t win the championship by signing people faster than others. You do it by having the best roster,” he said at a press conference on Wednesday.

“Come Round 1, that’s certainly our goal.”

The Wildcats have been in the headlines since the start of the off-season, with speculation ramping up in recent weeks following Bryce Cotton’s move to Adelaide.

Now, the team is focused on moving forward and building around the key pieces already locked in.

“We are in a global marketplace for top talent… Europe’s leagues are just finishing… Japan’s recently finished as well,” Arena added.

“We have a lot more time.”

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The Wildcats have been linked to several top local free agents over the past two months, but with no new signings confirmed, fans have started to voice their concerns.

“We can’t count a timeline on when our next signing will occur,” Arena said.

“When we have information to share, we’ll be happy to share it.”

Aside from the Sydney Kings and Adelaide 36ers, most NBL teams have taken a patient approach as they continue assembling their rosters for NBL26.

Arena remains confident it will all come together, and urges fans to stay patient, noting the pace is shaped by the international nature of the current market.

“It’s hard to say,” he said about who the next player signing will be.

“Because a lot of them… they’re juggling offers. Like all the great players that we are talking to. They have a multitude of offers from across the globe.

“I’ll repeat. When Round 1 comes, we’ll be ready to roll with an awesome roster.”

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