Just days after Perth Wildcats General Manager of Basketball Operations Danny Mills said his club was “close” to signing a local talent for NBL25, ESPN’s Olgun Uluc has reported highly-rated shooter Elijah Pepper is set to join John Rillie’s side.

The 6’4” guard was born in Shepparton, Victoria, but relocated to Washington as a child, meaning while his basketball education has come in the American system, he would classify as a local in the NBL.

Pepper has spent the past five seasons playing for the UC Davis Aggies and has averaged over 20 points per game in each of the past two seasons.

Late last year, Uluc also reported Brian Goorjian was looking at avenues to involve Pepper in the Boomers program, and labelled him as one of the best local collegiate prospects for NBL25 alongside recent Sydney signing and former Loyola Marymount forward Keli Leaupepe, projected first round draft pick and Kansas star Johnny Furphy, Saint Marys’ Alex Ducas and Florida’s Alex Condon.