Rillie Chases Winning Mix

The Perth Wildcats’ amazing 35-year run into the post-season came to an end in April, but maybe, just maybe, that incredible record could have stayed intact ... with a little luck. 

While Bryce Cotton is the Wildcats’ marquee man, fellow import Vic Law was just as influential in his first year at the club. 

When Law went down with an ankle injury with two games remaining in the regular season, so did Perth’s hopes of an 11th championship. 

After averaging 20 points and eight rebounds last season, Law returned in the NBA Summer League over the last fortnight with the Utah Jazz.

Now, his contract is John Rillie’s number one priority. 

“(It was) one of my first questions when I was given the job (is Law returning?) … so if Vic Law is listening. I'd love to chat,” he said. 

Law and Cotton, who recently signed a new three-year deal, proved a lethal combination on the court in 2022. 

The Wildcats on the search for more support for the star pair at Summer League. 

“I think the first day you get excited about guys that you watch, but then I went home at night and I go ‘man, I’ve got some good players already signed, so we better be smart about complementing the guys that we already know who are on the roster’,” Rillie said. 

“We’ve offered some guys, so we need to see where we're at. Hopefully in the next couple of days we'll be progressing forward.”

Perth locals Duop Reath, who starred for the Illawarra Hawks last season, and Thon Maker, with more than 250 games of NBA experience are sure to be in the mix for an empty roster spot. 

Maker has starred for the Australian Boomers during its Asia Cup campaign and will no doubt be a target for several NBL clubs. 

“We'd be naive not to look at everything, especially when you have good local talent,” Rillie added. 

“We’ve got to address that. 

“Obviously, I got to know Duop a little bit when I was with the national team. Thon, just recently. Local talent is key.”