Rillie Offers Answer to "Million-Dollar Question"

Since the NBL Next Stars program has become a genuine pathway to the NBA for some of the world’s most exciting young talent, one question has constantly been raised ... ‘It is a better option than college?’.

The Perth Wildcats’ signing of 18-year-old French phenom Alexandre Sarr – who will arrive at the club following a stint in the Overtime Elite program in Georgia has again highlighted the strength of the Next Stars pathway and its reputation worldwide. 

Following Sarr’s decision to head to the NBL from a high-level American feeder program, and AJ Johnson’s decision to de-commit from the University of Texas to play for Illawarra, Wildcats head coach John Rillie says each young player’s path depends on their personality and goals.

“It’s the million-dollar question with it all,” Rillie told SEN. “Matthew Dellavedova and Patty Mills – college route. It worked out pretty well for them. Joe Ingles did not go the college route and it worked out pretty well for him.

“I think it becomes what suits your personality. Brad Newley – that guy was never built for college so he did his route and became a second-round pick for the Houston Rockets, I think everyone has to go their own route and what will give them the best chance.

“Josh Giddey had the opportunity to go to a high-level college but chose the NBL, it worked out pretty well for him.”

Sarr’s older brother – Olivier – played four years of collegiate basketball, before finding his way to the Oklahoma City Thunder on a two-way contract.

After three years at Wake Forest and one season at Kentucky, Olivier Sarr went undrafted, but a strong Summer League performance saw him signed by the Thunder.

He played nine games, including one start, for the Thunder in the 2023 NBA season.

“I think (Alexandre) Sarr can use the experience of his brother – good or bad – to make his own decision,” Rillie continued.

“On our first Zoom call he had himself, his brother, his parents and his agency that represents him on the call. Having a brother that has flirted with the NBA with OKC, I think that brings a level of comfort with an older sibling going through it.

“What I would say is I do think if you’re a big man and you put yourself in the professional forum, you do track probably on a better trajectory for a pro career than college. We know college is a very guard-dominant form of the game.”

While the level of the NBL is constantly skyrocketing, the jump from the competition to the NBA is still a big one.

Rillie believes Perth’s style of play and current roster will help give Sarr the platform to succeed not just in NBL24, but in his career beyond.

“Where I think we become attractive for someone like Alex Sarr is in our backcourt we have Bryce Cotton and Corey Webster. Whoever he goes to at the NBA level, he’s going to have a Bryce Cotton, a Corey Webster he has to play alongside,” Rillie said.

“If he can show he (Sarr) can play alongside elite level talent I think that only helps his stock ... I think our roster makeup will allow him to flourish with what he has to show the NBA people he can do.

“For me and Danny Mills, when we’re constructing a roster it has to make sense – and Alex and his skillset makes sense for the Perth Wildcats, I think it makes sense for his basketball life and journey.”