NBL: Perth Wildcats new import Derek Cooke Jr short on game time

Perth coach Trevor Gleeson admits his team will be entering the unknown when they begin their NBL title defence.

Perth Wildcats coach Trevor Gleeson admits to a disrupted pre-season.

Perth coach Trevor Gleeson admits his team will be entering the unknown when they begin their NBL title defence tonight against Brisbane.

The Wildcats were left frustrated when recruit Derek Cooke Jr was unable to play any pre-season games because of visa delays. Centre Matt Knight also missed a large chunk of the pre-season because of a fractured thumb, while American import Jean-Pierre Tokoto was only signed last month as an injury replacement for Devondrick Walker (foot). Tokoto has at least been able to get some pre-season games under his belt.

“It’s been a bit of a frustrating pre-season, with Derek not able to play because of the visa,” Gleeson said. “But he’s been practising every day and his fitness is great.

“He’s explosive. But you never know (how he will gel) until the bright lights come on. Hopefully, it’s smooth sailing.”

Gleeson is confident Knight will be given the green light by the club’s medical staff to face the Bullets.

“Fitness-wise, it’s not a problem — it’s more so touch,” Gleeson said. “He’s getting that back at the moment. He’ll have his thumb taped up.”

The Wildcats are aiming to win three championships in a row for the first time in club history. “It would be lovely to do, but there’s a lot of water under the bridge,” Gleeson said of his team’s chances of snaring a hat-trick of titles.

“It’s a long journey ahead but, hopefully, we’re up there challenging for it.”

AAP