One On One With Perth Wildcats' Elijah Pepper: Inside The Mind Of A NBL Rookie

Rookie Spotlight: Elijah Pepper’s Breakout Season with the Perth Wildcats

Elijah Pepper is quickly becoming a fan favourite among Perth Wildcats supporters. The rookie guard from UC Davis has made a seamless transition to the NBL, showcasing his ability to score from all areas of the court and defend with tenacity. This combination has earned him a valuable spot in the Wildcats’ rotation, and he’s emerging as one of the league’s most promising newcomers.

Felix Von Hofe once described Pepper as a player who can be “really, really good or really, really poor.” However, over the recent games against the Illawarra Hawks and South East Melbourne Phoenix, Pepper has silenced his critics, demonstrating he can compete at a high level in the NBL despite facing skepticism from some in the media. Josh Higgins from The Basketball Fix caught up with Pepper to discuss the season’s start and his experience so far.

A Steady Start with Strong Numbers

Pepper, at 23, has been solid on the stat sheet, averaging 9.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. Surprisingly, he hasn’t had to make major adjustments to his game as he steps into the professional arena. He did, however, highlight the key difference between college and pro-level basketball:

“Basketball-wise, the pace and physicality are a lot different than college. That takes a toll on your body, and it just takes a little bit of time to adjust to. So that’s probably the biggest difference.”

With the Wildcats battling injuries, opportunities have opened up for younger players like Pepper. While these injuries bring unpredictability in minutes, they’ve allowed Pepper to prove his value. His season-high of 30 minutes came against the Tasmanian JackJumpers, a stark contrast to his season-low of 6 minutes in the opener against South East Melbourne Phoenix. This inconsistency in minutes has presented a unique challenge:

“I know I’m able to score the ball, but that’s not gonna get you on the floor all night every night. So I’ve been trying to do the little things – the hustle plays, steals, charges, deflections,” Pepper explains.

Relentless Work Ethic and Development

Pepper has been working closely with Wildcats Assistant Coach Gerard Martin, focusing on refining his skills and expanding his basketball IQ. From studying scouting reports in greater depth to committing to consistent shooting reps, Pepper is leaving no stone unturned. His defensive skills, in particular, have shown notable improvement, thanks to the intense work he’s putting in during practice sessions.

For a rookie, entering a team with high expectations amid a challenging start to the season might dampen morale. But Pepper assures that the team remains focused and motivated.

“Team morale is high. We won 2 out of the last 3, and if we can get 2 wins this week, we’re feeling pretty good,” he says confidently.

Handling Media Criticism Like a Pro

Criticism is par for the course in a high-stakes sport, especially for a rookie breaking into the league. Analysts like Derek Rucker doubted that Pepper would see much playing time this season on a packed Wildcats roster, while Felix Von Hofe labeled his performances as “either really, really good or really, really poor.”

When asked about these comments, Pepper addressed them with the composure of a seasoned professional:

“Those guys are obviously entitled to their opinions. I’m confident in myself and my abilities. I’ve played 9 games so far in the NBL…there’s gonna be a lot more good ones than bad, and that’s just a growing experience and a learning pain,” he reflects. “It’s different if I’m a 4th-year vet. But in my first season, 9 games in, it’s learning, figuring out the pace, seeing what the league is like, and just improving.”

Pepper and the Wildcats now turn their focus to Round 8, where they’ll face the Tasmanian JackJumpers at RAC Arena on Thursday, followed by a game against Melbourne United on Saturday. With Bryce Cotton ruled out for this round, Pepper is expected to step up and could deliver yet another impactful performance in his rookie campaign.

Playing in Front of the Red Army

Playing for one of the NBL’s most storied franchises, the Perth Wildcats, is a dream come true for Pepper, who relishes every moment in front of the Wildcats’ devoted fanbase.

“It’s been insane and super exciting. You can hear them all when they’re doing the name calls, and it just brings so much energy. When we need to go on a run, the fans just bring that extra energy. The home energy is just something different,” he shares.

If Pepper’s start is any indication, the Wildcats have found a gem with the potential to become a prominent name in the NBL. With a combination of high energy, scoring prowess, and a relentless drive to improve, he’s poised for a bright future. As the season progresses, fans can look forward to watching Elijah Pepper continue to make his mark and take on a bigger role in the Wildcats’ quest for success.