Wildcats still in visa limbo
Perth are hopeful new import Derek Cooke Jr will have his visa issues cleared up in time to feature in tonight’s second preseason game against Cairns. Cooke, previously of the Bakersfield Jam in the NBA Development League, was a bench celebrator for the Wildcats on Thursday night as fellow fresh import Jean-Pierre Tokoto made his debut.
PERTH are hopeful new import Derek Cooke Jr will have his visa issues cleared up in time to feature in tonight’s second preseason game against Cairns.
Cooke, previously of the Bakersfield Jam in the NBA Development League, was a bench celebrator for the Wildcats on Thursday night as fellow fresh import Jean-Pierre Tokoto made his debut.
Cooke, a power forward, remains in limbo as his drawnout visa clearance continues but Wildcats coach Trevor Gleeson is optimistic he may play tonight.
“I hope so, fingers crossed,” Gleeson said.
“Every day I am praying it goes through for Derek.
“We will just have to wait and see, fingers crossed, it is all paper work.
“We have still got Angus Brandt to come back in, hopefully we can get them back soon.”
Gleeson confirmed former Taipan Clint Steindl had completed his short-term contract with the Wildcats and he will head to Greece to play this season.
Steindl previously played with the Leuven Bears of the Belgian Basketball League and featured for the Wildcats through the preseason as they were short on numbers due to injuries and visa concerns. Did the Taipans even the two-game series with Perth? www.cairnspost.com.au