Perth Wildcats head coach John Rillie joins the podcast to discuss the pressure that comes with coaching one of the NBL’s most successful clubs, the challenge of moving forward after Bryce Cotton’s departure, and what Perth needs to build its next championship contender.
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Host Dan Boyce chats with Rillie about taking over the Wildcats after the club missed the finals for the first time since 1986, the expectations of the Red Army, and how Perth’s three straight semi-final exits are viewed inside the club compared to how they are judged publicly.
The episode also dives into the shadow of the Trevor Gleeson championship era, how much the NBL has changed since Perth’s dynasty years, the public reaction to Bryce Cotton’s exit, and the development stories that often get overlooked, including Elijah Pepper, Ben Henshall and Alexandre Sarr.
Rillie also reflects on the one-possession semi-final loss to Melbourne United, the decision to move on from Mason Jones, the FIBA break debate, and how Perth is building around Jo Lual-Acuil Jr, Kristian Doolittle, Dylan Windler, Ben Henshall, Elijah Pepper and Jesse Wagstaff.
Listen now:
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- Taking over the Perth Wildcats after the finals streak ended
- The pressure of coaching Perth
- Fan criticism and the 2023 backlash
- The Trevor Gleeson era and modern NBL expectations
- Bryce Cotton’s final season and departure
- The Mason Jones situation and roster fit
- Developing Ben Henshall, Elijah Pepper and Alexandre Sarr
- How Perth’s style has evolved under Rillie
- Reviewing last season and the Wildcats’ defensive jump
- What Perth still needs to become a Championship Series team
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