Perth Wildcats import Kristian Doolittle’s determination to win outweighs his desire for individual success

Perth Wildcats import Kristian Doolittle can do it all, but he prefers to just do whatever it takes to win. If winning requires him to be an offensive weapon, he’ll shoot the lights out. If he needs to focus on rebounding, he’ll crash the glass. If the coach says to defend, then Doolittle will zone in on that task. In his mind, winning is the only thing that matters. With that type of approach, it shouldn’t be a shock that he’s won three championships around the world since turning pro in 2020. Doolittle stuck to the basics in Perth last season after joining the club just days before round one. He knew coach John Rillie had already formed a plan and recruited him to fill the final gap. But after re-signing with the Wildcats in March, Rillie could formulate a plan knowing he had his entire starting five returning for 2025. Suddenly Doolittle has become a weapon everywhere he steps on the court. He’s gone from averaging nine points and seven rebounds per game last season to 15 points and 10 rebounds in the opening five games. “He’s so dynamic on the floor,” superstar Bryce Cotton said. “You can see in stretches of the game he can take over by putting points on the board, he can lock up the other team’s best player or get big-time rebounds. Whatever you need Doo to do he can get it done. It’s a joy having him on the floor.” The Wildcats needed Doolittle to make changes to his game against Cairns on Thursday night because Keanu Pinder was unavailable due to a concussion. He did his job brilliantly, scoring 19 points and winning 11 rebounds as the Wildcats produced a 90-87 victory. It was his second double-double in a row and again showed that Doolittle can do whatever is necessary when circumstances change. Doolittle spoke of his desire to continue playing under Rillie upon returning to Perth, saying the pair have a similar mindset as to how the game should be played. Rillie said having the American now had a strong understanding of what he can do in the NBL. “He helps winning,” Rillie said. “I think his comfort level with our group and with Australia and with the synergy he has with his teammates after last year, he’s taken a nice step and growth in his own confidence and what he can be in this league. I think you’re starting to see an improved Kristian Doolittle.”