JUST days after the distinction of playing NBA teams in their sparkling arenas, the Perth Wildcats were training in complimentary airline attire.

Speaking on the return of The Dribble podcast alongside Chris Robinson, Wildcats vice-captain Greg Hire recalled how a luggage hold-up coming back from the pre-season US tour meant the team had to improvise clothing-wise at practice before their NBL opener in Adelaide.

“The only things we were rocking were the Qantas sleepwear that we got,” Hire said.

“There were guys lifting (in the gym)… I still have a vivid (memory) of Terrico White having his shorts on, but also a Qantas shirt on.

“As we were running down the court, guys were wearing Qantas apparel.

“We had just come back from playing Denver and Utah (in NBA arenas)… to then arriving in Adelaide with no baggage, playing at the home of Forestville Eagles, a stadium with buckets holding out the rain.”

Listen to the full chat from the 14:28 mark of the above podcast.

Hire also revealed how teammate Tom Jervis lost his wedding ring in the aftermath of the busy opening week of NBL action.

Episode rundown:
Greg’s off-season family addition (1:20)

The experience of facing NBA teams over the pre-season (4:48)

Dinner at Joe Ingles’ house (11:29)

The flight drama that caused the team to train in Qantas sleepwear (14:28)

Why West Coast Eagles diehard Greg missed most of the AFL grand final (16:58)

How the Wildcats have gelled so quickly for their two opening-week wins (19:38)

Terrico White’s silent-but-deadly demeanour (25:30)

The Backdoor Cut: Tom Jervis loses something very important (28:11)

Greg’s thoughts on the prospect of a third import joining the team this season (33:32)