Anonymous
Years ago
Perth Wildcat Owners bold prediction
http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8708832
There'll be no such thing as a honeymoon period for new Wildcats NBL coach Trevor Gleeson.
Wildcats owner Jack Bendat is demanding nothing less than the championship this season, especially after the club managed to secure Miami Heat swingman James Ennis as their import on a loan deal.
Ennis was snared with pick No.50 in the 2013 draft by the Atlanta Hawks, but was traded to the title-winning Heat just hours later.
However, with the Heat already boasting a star-studded roster, the 200cm powerhouse was encouraged to pursue a loan deal overseas in a bid to fast-track his game.
The Wildcats jumped at the chance to get him, but Ennis could be called back by the Heat at any point.
Perth are hopeful he'll stay the full season, and Bendat wants the star 23-year-old to lift the Wildcats to their sixth championship.
"I'm a firm believer of we must come in first in whatever we do," Bendat said.
"Last year we came close to it.
"I asked chief executive Nick Marvin and Trevor Gleeson to go to America and find me one or two players who are going to give us a Championship.
"I'm happy to report that they've found a champion player from the Miami Heat.
"It's going to make a difference for us. We're going to win a Championship, and we're going to be the best in Australia."
Ennis is renowned for his aerial ability, and hopes to bring an exciting brand of basketball to the NBL.
And he's already bought into Bendat's mission.
"I'll get this team the championship this year. That's the main goal," Ennis said.
Gleeson was appointed Wildcats coach in June after Rob Beveridge quit the post in order to further his career overseas.
The Wildcats won the 2010 championship under Beveridge, but lost last season's title decider to NZ, who will be aiming for four straight titles this year.
I dont think they are favourites to win the title but i would place them in the final four teams. I think Adelaide and NZ have a better squad of players. Lisch is a huge loss and Ennis looks good on paper but he is unproven in pro ball. Alot of great college kids struggle so he is a wait and see for me!
Anyone to disagree?
