John Rillie joins New York Knicks coaching staff for NBA Summer League

Keanu Pinder isn’t the only Wildcat suiting up for NBA Summer League, with Perth Wildcats head coach John Rillie joining the New York Knicks coaching staff as a guest coach for the tournament.

Rillie is no stranger to coaching in the US, holding coaching positions at colleges Boise State University and UC Santa Barbara from 2011-2022 before joining the Perth Wildcats in NBL23.

The stint will also see Rillie reconnect with former agent from his playing days, and current President of the New York Knicks Leon Rose.

Heading to the US last week, Rillie is currently with the Knicks as they take part in a short training camp in preparation for the Las Vegas event commencing later this week.

Rillie said that the experience of guest coaching in Summer League is one of mutual benefit.

“NBA teams are using the Summer League to better their international relationships,” he said.

“I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to do some professional development.”

The opportunity to work with New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau is something Rillie is looking forward to. 

“It’s a great opportunity to see how someone of Coach Thibodeau’s experience runs his program and what I can bring back to benefit the Wildcats,” he said.

Rillie is hoping to use the experience to grow as a head coach.

“I’m hoping to take away from the experience ways in which I can become a better head coach,” he said.

“Creative ways to improve the franchise and how can I grow and develop the rest of our basketball staff.”

The action kicks off from 9.00am WST on Sunday 9 July. See the full schedule below.

The New York Knicks Summer League schedule (in WA time):

5.00am Sunday 9 July vs Philadelphia 76ers

5.30am Monday 10 July vs Brooklyn Nets

8.00am Thursday 13 July vs Orlando Magic

7.00am Saturday 15 July vs Boston Celtics