NBL: Perth Wildcats’ Greg Hire sizes up a three-peat

ANOTHER season has dawned upon us and, just like that, the countless hours each individual has put in during the off season come to fruition.

There is nothing that helps bond a team together more than sharing in each other’s pain and pushing each other to the limit.

The first few weeks of pre-season are torture, but those challenging times can provide the difference in the back end of the season.

It wouldn’t be a Perth Wildcats pre-season without experiencing a little drama.

Unfortunately, we lost US import Devondrick Walker, who would’ve been an exceptional talent, to a long-term injury.

But his injury allowed us to recruit super athletic American Jean-Pierre Tokoto who has slotted in nicely and will certainly add to the highlight reels of the Wildcats’ archives.

Big man Matty Knight suffered a injury to his hand.

I don’t think there is an unluckier man in the sporting world, but there is no doubt he will return with plenty of hunger.

The team enjoyed some great standout performances during the pre-season games, particularly from Lucas Walker, who has taken his opportunities with both hands.

As a guy who was out of the league last year, he is playing with a chip on his shoulder, which is great for the club.

Saturday it starts all again against the Brisbane Bullets, playing in front of 13,000 fans at Perth Arena.

As you head out of that tunnel alongside your brothers, you remember why you love the game and why you sacrifice so much – for that endless pursuit of winning a championship.