The Wildcats produced a big second half to down the Breakers 106-100 after trailing 53-45 at half-time.

"I'm pretty sure if I see him (Wagstaff) I'll think about it, but I'm going to do what's best for the team," Coenraad said.

"There's no personal vendetta there - he's just another player trying to do well for his team like I am.

"If I start taking more shots because I want to beat him out for rookie of the year that's going to hurt our team.

"If I have a good night it comes out of our system and getting involved on the defensive end."

Coenraad has averaged 5.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 13 appearances to date, while Wagstaff checks in with 8.6 points and 3.5 rebounds in his first 13 games out of Metro State University.

Nova Southeastern graduate Coenraad admires his fellow rookie's game.

"I like the way he plays, he's got an inside and an outside game, he works hard on the inside and when you put a smaller guy on him he can make them pay because he's got good size.

"I think we are similar in we both have an inside-outside game - he's more a power player in the four (power forward) spot and I'm trying to develop more of a 2-3 (shooting guard-small forward) game.

"He's definitely a great player coming straight out of college."

Coenraad would like to add the beginner's award to what could be an extensive list of individual accolades heading to Wollongong - import Tywain McKee is a frontrunner for MVP, Larry Davidson has made an early bid for most improved while Gordie McLeod is in the hunt for his maiden coach of the year award.

"If it happens, it's a bonus," he said.

"Would I like rookie of the year? Yeah, it would be great, but I'm not going to do anything different to get it.

"Rookie of the year would be nice, but I'm looking at the success of the team."