Flame-throwing Pepper ready for bigger role

• Elijah Pepper is averaging 36 points for the Warwick Senators in 2025 NBL1 West
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It's not often a player steps into a league and immediately sets it on fire, but that’s exactly what Elijah Pepper has done in his first season in NBL1.

The former UC Davis NCAAM's basketball star made his professional debut with the Perth Wildcats last season, where he remains contracted and is set to take on a bigger role next season.

In the meantime, he's suiting up for the Warwick Senators in NBL1 West where he has turned heads across the country with a string of jaw dropping performances, showcasing scoring prowess that has left fans, opponents, and coaches alike in awe.

“It’s harder than it seems,” Pepper admitted, speaking with a calmness that contrasts with the intensity of his on-court game.

“Especially now... early in the season, there wasn’t much of a scouting report. Nobody had really seen me play outside of a little bit with the Wildcats.”

It’s easy to see why he’s become the focus of opposing coaches. Pepper has scored 50 points three times in just his first 11 games in league and is averaging 36 points on the season.

Now, they have seen plenty, and they are scrambling to keep up. Pepper’s scoring is electric, but as he explains, it’s not a fluke. It’s the product of smart preparation, relentless aggression, and a deep understanding of his strengths.

“I’d like to think I’m a great three-point shooter,” he said confidently.

“I’m aggressive off the catch. The big thing for me is just staying aggressive and knowing what I’m good at.”

But Pepper’s brilliance this season isn’t just about his scoring poise. He’s also near the top of the league in assists per game, a testament to his adaptability and court vision.

“If I’m attacking the paint, there’s three or four guys collapsing. But we have shooters everywhere, so if they collapse, I just kick it out.”

Having now spent time with the Perth Wildcats, Pepper is using his NBL1 season as a springboard into what he hopes is a breakout year at the nation's biggest stage. Playing in NBL1 has provided him with exactly the reps and confidence he needs.

“In my specific situation, it’s been better than most,” he reflected.

“The NBL team I play for is basically located right down the road from where I play NBL1. I’m getting a lot of different looks, a lot of live reps, and what I’m doing in Wildcats training is able to translate into games. It’s a great kind of running start into the NBL season.”

And that NBL season might be a perfect opportunity for Elijah to break out into being a star.

“In terms of believing that I’m ready to take on a bigger role, I’ve always felt confident in my abilities,” Pepper said.

“I think I could have done that last year if I was given more of an opportunity, but it’s also really difficult when you have Bryce Cotton, who’s the MVP, in the same position.”

With Cotton now gone, Pepper knows his moment could be arriving.

“My role kind of automatically expands,” he revealed. “I’ve spoken to JR (Wildcats head coach John Rillie), I’ve spoken to Danny (Wildcats general manager), and I think they both have confidence in me to have a much more expanded role this year.”

More minutes, more trust, and even more to prove.

His goals for next season are clear: “I’d like to be a lot more efficient... get the turnovers down a little bit... That's just kind of one of those working kinks you have to go through as a rookie. But overall, I just want to play more, get more of an opportunity, and see where it goes from there.”

If his rise this season is anything to go by, his impact and confidence will only keep growing.

Pepper is no longer flying under the radar. He’s lighting it up, and he’s just getting started.