Rillie good news as Wildcats coach re-signs

Rillie, who led the Wildcats’ to a second-placed finish and return to play-offs last season, has signed on for a further three years, through to the end of the 2027-28 NBL season.

Rillie was excited for the opportunity to keep growing what he’s built over his first two seasons in charge with the aim of long-term success for the 10-time NBL champions.

“We have constructed a roster with a championship in mind,” he said.

“Retaining a large part of last year’s group was huge.  The pieces we have added should really compliment the guys returning.  

“To have the support of ownership and the front office is paramount in achieving long-term success.

“It’s exciting to be able to continue to grow what we have been building over the last couple years.”

Wildcats General Manager of Basketball Danny Mills said he had complete confidence Rillie was the man to take the club to the next level.

“JR has done an outstanding job over the past several years, building and cultivating a program,” Mills said.

“Under his leadership, the team has made significant progress culminating in a second-place finish in the regular season and a return to the semi-finals in NBL24.

“We have complete confidence in his ability to elevate this group to the next level as we pursue sustainable success and ultimately our 11th NBL championship.

“We are absolutely thrilled for JR, his family, and the entire organization as we move forward with him at the helm of our basketball program.”

Wildcats owner Mark Arena said it was an easy decision to make and had full belief in the basketball program, driven by Rillie and Mills.

“We’re rapt to have ‘JR’ continuing on,” Arena said.

“His passion and energy for the job is second to none and we know he’s the man to take us forward after putting the building blocks in place during his first two seasons in charge.

“We strongly believe in the program that John, his assistant coaches (Aaron Young, Gerard Martin and Keegan Crawford) and (GM) Danny Mills are driving and are excited for the future.”

The Wildcats’ season opener is against South-East Melbourne Phoenix at RAC Arena on Friday 20 September as part of the inaugural HoopsFest in Perth.