Wildcat Big Welcoming Role Reversal

Perth Wildcats import TaShawn Thomas is in the midst of making adjustments to his role in a bid to help the Wildcats make a run for the top six.

Thomas is a versatile option on both offence and defence. While he thrives playing as an old-school centre who can crash-and-bash in the paint he also has the ability to step out and play a pass-first role reminiscent of a new-age stretch five.

He says he's eager to do whatever it takes to help his team succeed.

“I’ve had different roles in other places, so I’ve been having to figure out what the coach exactly wants me to do and figuring out how to help the team on a whole has been tough, but I feel like I’ve been fine in my role,” Thomas said.

“We have other options to go to with offence so it’s tough, but I just have to make that adjustment and trust that the team’s going to be successful with whatever my role needs to be. I’ve been tackling the challenge and I feel like I’m getting to where I want to be now.”

Prior to signing with the Wildcats this season, Thomas came from the French club Le Mans Sarthe Basket (MSB) in the French league.

Performing as a traditional centre during his time in France Thomas thrived. By season's end he had been named as an All-Star and received a place in the LNB Pro All-First Team.

In his altered role for the ‘Cats Thomas is feeling more comfortable to dive into the defensive end of the court.

“Defensively I feel like I’ve taken a step forward and I’m just going to continue to get to better,” he said.

“That was my challenge, going back to the old TaShawn and my roles before and not realising that I was brought here to do something different than I was before.

“Knowing that I can still do what I can do when it comes to scoring, but just doing what the coach wants me to do defensively and on the rebounds, and whenever it’s my turn to score I’ll let that happen. I’m not trying to focus on just scoring anymore.”

Perth is on the road to tackle the Adelaide 36ers on Friday night, a crucial game for the ‘Cats after a well-deserved win in round nine against the top of the ladder New Zealand Breakers.

The Wildcats currently sit seventh on the ladder with a 6-7 record.

“We all know we’re better than what we’ve been playing so just to show in the wins column and getting there would be a big help for us as a whole,” Thomas said.