Finally returning home after a long stint on the road, the Perth Wildcats find themselves in prime position to make another run at a championship in NBL22.
Wildcats' General Manager, Danny Mills has endured a rollercoaster ride since joining the franchise, with a hiring process for a coach, a new-look roster and border closures ensuring a challenging start to his first season in the role.
Born and raised in Perth, it's been a homecoming for Mills, who spent seven seasons in the Philadelphia 76ers front office prior to joining the franchise.
Mills caught up with ESPN to breakdown the story so far for a franchise that just continues to win.
THE SEASON SO FAR
Mills: "If you asked us if we would be happy at 9-6 given the schedule with all the away games, I think you would probably take it. But we were 9-3, had that game against United that could have put us in top position, but it wasn't to be, and we lost three straight.
"I think we are in a pretty good spot to take advantage of being at home."
CHALLENGES ON THE ROAD
Mills: "We were fortunate, we have such a resilient group, such an experienced group. The toughest thing was just keeping the group together through the unknown of when the border was opening, there was just no exact answer.
"We talked about it a lot, but we had no answer, no home games, no away games, just games. If the border opened, then fantastic but if it didn't this was our reality and we just had to play it out. Having no answers for the group was the biggest challenge."
LIFE AFTER TREVOR GLEESON
Mills: "Once I got hired, we needed a coach. Obviously, everyone knows the success Trevor had and the impact he had so it has been big shoes to fill. We went through a global search of candidates, we interviewed 16 first round candidates. It was clear when Scott became the candidate, he had interest, I'd known him for eight years. He signed a contract and didn't know when he could get here - he started coaching the team via zoom.
"He's been resilient, he's a fantastic communicator. He's done a great job of implementing his system, which is quite different to how Trevor coached on both ends of the floor. Guys have bought into it quickly. People might look at the record and may be concerned that we aren't the same Perth Wildcats, but if you look back at all the challenges we've had, to be still sitting in third place, I think it's a pretty good feat and something the guys should be proud of. We feel comfortable of where we are at, but not satisfied at all."
THE BEAUTY OF BRYCE COTTON'S GAME
Mills: "I think when you sit back and watch the game you start to become a fan. He's just such an incredible athlete to watch. We've notoriously had slow starts to games this year and you always feel that as long as you have Bryce on the floor, you have a chance to get back into it pretty quickly. He's a fantastic person, easy going, he's a quiet assassin, he doesn't need the limelight, he just goes out and produces. He's having a career-year. A uniquely gifted person and a special, special player."
THE FUTURE OF MICHAEL FRAZIER II WITH THE TEAM
Mills: "There's a lot of noise around Michael at the moment. I think he would admit quicker than anyone that he's not performing to what he would expect or what we expect from him. We are definitely doing everything we can to turn around the season he's having. He's a pro, he's had success wherever he has played.
"He's just in a slump, that's something a lot of players go through and unfortunately, it's happening for him right now. Understandably, it's a short season, the sample size on a guy like Michael is small. We know this isn't who he is, we're just hoping for him to get in a rhythm.
"As a team, as an organisation and as a person in this role, you are always evaluating. A guy has to play seven games to qualify for playoffs so it's a short window if any team was to make changes. If opportunities come up to make change you would always look at them. We completely believe in Michael Frazier; we truly think he is going to turn this thing around. There's nothing off the table, that's for sure."
LUKE TRAVERS' NBA PROSPECTS
Mills: "It's been really exciting. I've been on the other shoe being in the NBA and evaluating these guys. Now as a GM, I have a prospect who could hopefully be drafted. Luke's been fantastic, it's unbelievable with the way his career has risen.
"There's been some inconsistencies as you expect with any young prospect. It's just trying to find that consistency and motor every single possession. Knowing you are under the eye of NBA scouts and evaluators every game isn't easy, we're seeing more and more of those types now that the borders are open. The versatility in his game is probably the most exciting aspect with his size and length.
"The swing skill is the shooting, it's obvious to anyone but the fact he's made strides is encouraging. We're extremely high on Luke, he's definitely working hard and doing all the right things to take the next step and hopefully be in the NBA in the next couple of years."