NBL 2026: ‘Let’s roll with it, it’s hard to win a championship’: Rillie’s mentality after deciding not to replace injured import

The Perth Wildcats have been the centre of attention this week in the build-up to HoopsFest, with speculation surrounding whether the club would make a late roster move ahead of the business end of the NBL26 season. As tip-off approached for their clash with the Illawarra Hawks, it became clear the Wildcats were prepared to ride out the season with their current group.

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During the broadcast, General Manager of Basketball Operations Danny Mills confirmed the decision.

“There were a couple of guys that were really interesting, but at the end of the day we feel really confident with this group,” Mills said.

“We have ultimate belief in this group. We love this team.”

“We made the decision, basically today, we’re sticking with this group and this is the team we think we can get to the end (Championship Series).”

That “ultimate belief” was rewarded on the court, as the Wildcats secured a 92-87 victory over the Hawks. Star contributors Kristian Doolittle, Dylan Windler and Jo Lual-Acuil Jr all delivered in key moments, underpinning a performance that reflected the organisation’s confidence in its roster.

Mills also provided a positive update on injured import David Duke Jr, offering a more optimistic outlook than the previously reported 8-12 week timeline.

“The longer we went through this week, the more confidence we had in where he’s at with his rehab,” Mills said.

“It’s definitely not something that we think is going to be season-ending. It’s going to be sooner rather than later, which is really exciting.”

Duke Jr was active on the bench for the win, though he remained in a large protective arm brace as his recovery continues.

Adding to the momentum, the Wildcats are now riding a four-game winning streak and have drawn level with Melbourne United on the ladder. With HoopsFest looming, there is a genuine possibility Perth could find themselves inside the top four in the coming weeks.

Post-game, head coach John Rillie reflected on both the win and the decision to stay the course with the current roster.

“Every team goes through something at some stage, and how you come out of that you take great pride in,” Rillie said.

“So, let’s roll with it. It’s hard to win a championship – you need a lot of things to go right – but this team has great synergy.”

Rillie also pointed to consistency in messaging as a key factor behind the decision not to bring in a replacement player.

“If I sit here every week and preach that you’ll get your opportunity, but then we bring in someone, they’re looking at me like, ‘come on – you preach opportunity,’” he said.

That philosophy was on full display, with Rillie highlighting the contribution of Dontae, who stepped into meaningful minutes after a long absence from the rotation.

“You saw it tonight. Dontae came in and played great minutes for us and he hasn’t played a meaningful possession for a long time,” Rillie said.

“He helped us continue to roll in the first quarter and second quarter. I’ve got to give them confidence by playing them – and nothing gives you better confidence than playing.”

Ultimately, the Wildcats’ decision will be judged by several key factors: how quickly Duke Jr returns, how the team continues to function without a true point guard, and whether this group can genuinely contend for the NBL26 title.

For now, the results speak positively. Perth have won four straight games and will look to extend that streak to five, with two of their next three matchups coming against South East Melbourne and Melbourne United.