Perth Wildcats coach Scott Morrison has refused to address speculation that his team is set to sign American power forward John Brown after beating New Zealand 95-85.
The Wildcats retain their strong season as Bryce Cotton and Vic Law combined for 51 points, but all the discussion has been about whether the club will replace their other import Michael Frazier II.
International media have reported that Brown is ready to join the club and the photos were taken by a man who looks like him in Perth on Sunday. Frazier did not play against the Breakers due to a hamstring injury but was at the RAC Arena for the match.
Morrison was unwilling to give any insight into the club’s decision.
“No comment,” Morrison said.
“In the words of Bill Belichick, we are moving on to Tasmania.”
Brown played in Russia but the players were allowed to leave the country due to the war with Ukraine. He has to play for Perth on Saturday against Sydney to qualify for the finals.
Australian basketball icon Andrew Gaze said the Power Forward would be a huge boost to the team’s championship chances.
“If it’s true that he comes in, they have someone who is an entertainment machine. He has a little bone,” Gaze said.
The Wildcats had injury terms with Mitch Norton playing just 15 minutes after injuring his hamstring. That came in the same match where Matt Hodgson returned from a calf injury.
“It must be a little bad if Mitch could not go,” Morrison said.
“He’s a pretty tough kid as we all know. He’s playing through a lot of pain and a lot of injuries. I hope it’s just a careful thing because we’re down on numbers. We have a number of guys out now. We have to watch out for this week in practice to do no harm.
Law had 26 points and 12 rebounds, Bryce Cotton 25 points, five rebounds and six assists, while Majok Majok was powerful with eight points, 12 rebounds and four assists.
“I have to give New Zealand a lot of credit,” Morrison said.
“They took us apart to start the game. They’re a really good team. They destroyed our pick and roll defense, they did it last week too.
“It was luck for us, we were able to hit some hard shots and make some small adjustments. At the end of the day, we were happy that they missed some of the good looks they got.
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