Trevor Gleeson to break Wildcats coaching record

When the Perth Wildcats meet the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Thursday night, Trevor Gleeson will coach the Perth Wildcats for the 231^st time, setting a new club record.

Gleeson is currently tied with Alan Black, who coached the Wildcats from 1989-90 and again from 1998 to 2003 – becoming a championship coach in 2000.

Remarkably, both Gleeson and Black have also won 145 games of their 230 with the Wildcats.

Gleeson said it’s an achievement he will be proud to look back on later in life.

“While you’re in the midst of it, I get enjoyment out of bringing a team together and finding the strength in a team and we’ve been very fortunate to have some great personnel,” he said.

“There’s no way of being successful without the players buying into the culture, buying in to a team first mentality and playing unselfish.

“That’s what I focus on, the milestones will be good when I sit down and talk to my kids one day and say, here’s a challenge for you, beat this!”

Gleeson joined the Wildcats in 2013 and in his first season at the club, won the 2014 NBL Championship.

He has since gone on to lead the club to the 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2020 titles, meaning he’s won championships in five of his seven years at the Wildcats.

“I learned a long time ago in coaching, the day you start worrying about your job, is the day you’re not doing your job, and when I first walked in this door, I thought okay I’m here either for one year or ten. This is how we’re going to do it,” said Gleeson.

“I’ve been very fortunate to have the backing of Jack Bendat and the board on a number of crucial points throughout my time here.”

Captain Jesse Wagstaff applauded Gleeson for the success he’s been able to bring to Perth in his time at the club.

“You look at his record, and it’s kind of unmatched in the NBL ever really,” he said.

“He recruits well, he knows what he’s looking for, and he brings guys in to fill roles and that’s really smart.

“And you know where your stand with Trev, and that gives clarity. If guys have clarity in their role with what’s expected of them, that goes a long way.”

A Perth Wildcats win on Thursday will also see Trevor Gleeson becom the winningest coach in club history.

Congratulations, Trevor Gleeson!

Perth Wildcats Games Coached Leaderboard

Trevor Gleeson 230 games

Alan Black 230 games

Adrian Hurley 159 games

Scott Fisher 137 games

Rob Beveridge 130 games