Wildcats' stability excites Rillie

Monday, July 29, 2024

“I think returning the majority of our roster means we will hit the ground running a little quicker than what we have previously in my time here."

Perth Wildcats’ head coach John Rillie has a new-found confidence this offseason, stating the playing group's stability will be a strength in NBL25.

While the ‘Cats still have one import spot remaining, four-time MVP Bryce Cotton and Kristian Doolittle will be returning for another season in red.

Also coming back for the upcoming season are local young guns Ben Henshall and David Okwera, alongside Hyrum Harris, Michael Harris, Keanu Pinder, Tai Webster, and veteran Jesse Wagstaff.

The returning core will be flanked by Elijah Pepper who is straight out of college and Izan Almansa, the club’s NBL25 Next Star, who will hopefully follow in the footsteps of number two pick French phenom, Alex Sarr.

Rillie was in high spirits on his offseason training plans, with the familiarity of the group boosting his confidence heading into the season.

“This is the first time in quite a while there has been that type of carry over. When you look at any sporting organisation, teams that have high level success have good stability,” Rillie told The West Australian.

“I think returning the majority of our roster means we will hit the ground running a little quicker than what we have previously in my time here.

“There’s good familiarity with the players and the coaching staff. I think the new bodies will come on pretty quickly because the majority of the players understand the expectation.”

Read the full story here >> Perth Wildcats coach John Rillie is loving the stability within his team ahead of pre-season training