Wildcats Welcome Aaron Young to 2023/24 Coaching Staff

The Perth Wildcats are delighted to announce Aaron Young as an Assistant Coach for the upcoming season.

Young's journey to coaching commenced at an early age, playing at Rangitoto High School, the Auckland Native developed an interest in the coaching aspect of the game.

After joining the NZ Breakers as a video coordinator in 2014, Young spent 4.5 years with the team, during which he secured roles with the New Zealand U19 national team as an assistant coach and Saint Kentigern College as the Director of Basketball.

In 2020, Young was employed by NZNBL franchise, the Auckland Tuatara (formerly known as the Auckland Huskies), as head coach. He took the side to three consecutive finals series in three seasons, including a grand final berth in 2022.

Young said the level of coaching he's going to be involved in is something he's always looked forward to. 

"It's all really worked out well. I love the group that's being assembled on and off the court. I'm just happy to be a part of it," he said.

"The Wildcats are a world-class organisation, I've always had great respect for Perth. I know they do things at a high level, so just being able to contribute to and compliment what's already been built over a couple of decades is pretty exciting."

"I know I can contribute, I know I can help the organisation, and I'm super passionate about that and ready to go."

Perth Wildcats head coach John Rillie is excited to bring another young and talented coach to his assistant coaching staff.

"Adding Aaron to the staff brings another young and talented coach to the group," he said.

"He was a part of the NZ Breakers staff when Dean Vickerman was the head coach, so he has been exposed to high-level coaching at the NBL level."

"He has displayed the ability to relate and build confidence within his playing group in the NZNBL. This skill will help develop and shape our roster as we blend youth with experience."

"He has a creative mind when thinking about the game, so he will bring some fresh ideas to the table."

Perth Wildcats General Manager of Basketball Operations Danny Mills said that Young ticked a lot of boxes for the club.

"As we went through a thorough search process to identify an assistant coach we could bring into our program, we found Aaron ticked a lot of boxes in regard to his background and experience as a current Head Coach in the New Zealand NBL," he said.

"His ability to connect with and develop players whilst having a modern and innovative mindset on how he views and teaches the game."

With the coaching staff finalised for the upcoming season, Danny Mills said he is excited about the additions to the coaching staff.

"We are thrilled with how we've been able to add to and evolve our coaching and performance staff over the off-season."

"We feel the diversity of people and the experiences they bring from all parts of the globe compliments where our playing roster is at both in the short and long term."