Rillie set for second NBA Summer League stint

After being a part of New York Knicks’ coaching group last summer, Rillie will join New Orleans Pelicans for this year’s tournament in Las Vegas.

Rillie said he would use the experience to further develop as a coach in the elite NBA environment in preparation for the Wildcats' NBL25 season.

“From a coaching standpoint, you get to see how someone else operates and you always pick up some great ideas to bring back,” Rillie said.

“Last year I was fortunate enough to be with New York, this year I’m with New Orleans Pelicans so to see how two different teams that play in the same competition go about it will be beneficial.

“One of the other nice things is that you get to be around some high-level players as well.”

Rillie revealed the opportunity came about after being in regular contact with executives at the Pelicans regarding young gun Alex Sarr, who was the hottest NBA property in Australia last season before going at pick No.2 in last month’s NBA Draft.

“I’ve probably got to thank Alex Sarr for that,” Rillie said.

“Through the sheer number of people who came through our gym last year, it’s really allowed us to improve our connections in that circle.

“Throughout certain franchises in the NBA, they’re giving experience to international coaches and I’m grateful that New Orleans invited me along.”

Rillie isn’t the only Wildcats coach featuring in the pre-season tournament, with assistant coach and Wildcats Academy director Keegan Crawford part of the Utah Jazz setup.

“It’s phenomenal for him being able to experience this, this was one of his personal goals to get on a Summer League team’s staff to see how all of that operates,” Rillie said.

“What I can confidently say is that Keegan Crawford is one of those guys, once people get to see and operate around him, he’s certainly flying under the radar in terms of his skillset and his acumen for the game.

“To see him in the NBA in the future in a prominent role should not surprise anyone.

The Wildcats’ inaugural Next Star signing Sarr will take the court for Washington Wizards who swooped on him in the draft.

The club’s general manager of basketball operations Danny Mills is also in Las Vegas as the Wildcats hunt a third and final import for NBL25.

The tournament is on from July 12-22 with the Pelicans opening their campaign against Minnesota on day one.

“We don’t come up against Alex which is disappointing,” Rillie joked.