As the old saying goes — shooters got to shoot — and that is exactly the mindset New Zealand import Dylan Wilkie has taken into his first season with Shepparton Gators.
Coming to the Gators as a renowned three-point deadeye, Wilkie has certainly delivered during the first 10 rounds of the Division One Big V season, with his bubbly energy and incredible self-confidence making him a much-loved figure on and off the court.
Looking to make the most of his experience of playing basketball abroad, Wilkie said he was loving every minute at Shepparton Gators.
“It has been awesome, I’ve really loved it so far,” Wilkie said.
“It was an experience I was really looking for after playing a year in New Zealand and it hasn’t disappointed.
“Being able to play with a great group of guys in a great place, it has just been perfect for me.”
On the court, the Gators have been cooking during the past month, reeling off three straight wins to catapult themselves into second spot on the table.
Wilkie said he could feel something special building at Shepparton Sports Stadium this season.
“We started off a little slow with our pre-season tournament and first few games, but once we gelled together and found the chemistry we’ve just been rolling,” Wilkie said.
“The way we have moved the ball and got everyone involved, it has come together so well and I’m excited to see what I can achieve.”
The Kiwi has been at the forefront of the Gators’ recent success on the offensive end, channelling his inner Stephen Curry to become one of the league’s most dangerous sharpshooters.
“... leave me open and I’ll punish you ...” — Dylan Wilkie
Wilkie’s ability to get hot from beyond the arc was showcased in Shepparton’s last match against Corio Bay, where he lit up the Swamp going seven-of-eight on three-point attempts to finish with a game high 23 points.
Shooting an impeccable 42.55 per cent from long range this season, Wilkie explained what it was like being a specialist three-point shooter.
“I definitely see myself as a sharpshooter, leave me open and I’ll punish you, and I just had it rolling, so the boys kept finding me and I knocked them down,” he said.
“It is hard because you can’t make them all, as delusional as I am thinking I do make them all it’s not possible.
“But even through those off nights where I am shooting one for six or something, it is so important to have the confidence that the next one will go in.”
Being an international import, the pressure is always heightened on Wilkie, with the expectation from his coaches and teammates being that he scores buckets.
And, while that may overwhelm some, the Kiwi sharpshooter said he lived for the added responsibility.
“There is a bit of pressure knowing that I have been brought over to shoot the ball and put points on the board, so on the nights I’m not doing that it is easy to get down on myself,” he said.
“But even when I am missing shots I can still do other things for the team I know can help, we have a great group of guys that can pick up the slack and put a winning score on the board.”
As for what he hopes to get out of his Australian basketballing experience, Wilkie said it was all about getting better and bringing success to the Gators’ program.
“I just want to get better, a bit of experience in an overseas environment where people are relying on me to score the ball will definitely help with my development,” he said.
“My mind is squarely on us winning the chip with the Gators and from there I am keen to play at the highest level and continue to develop my game overseas.”