Rillie Reveals Import Approach

Thursday, July 28, 2022

Perth Wildcats coach John Rillie has revealed the club will target a versatile big man with its final import spot.

Speaking to the media for the first time since landing in Perth, Rillie confirmed the Wildcats will look to add another import before pre-season training begins next month.

“We've got to address some size in our front court. The type of player I like is versatile … those guys aren’t easy to find but we will be doing our best to try and find someone who fills that,” Rillie said.

Rillie will be Perth’s third coach in three years, and he acknowledges a level of trust will need to be built with the players, who have battled with the club’s instability over the past couple of seasons.

“Once you get out there playing, you don’t want to have a cloudy mind. I need to have a rapport and trust with the players before we have a meaningful game,” he said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">John Rillie shares what attracted him to the Perth Wildcats head coaching role. <a href="https://t.co/ytF9w4qXmJ">pic.twitter.com/ytF9w4qXmJ</a></p>— Perth Wildcats (@PerthWildcats) <a href="https://twitter.com/PerthWildcats/status/1552171053866426368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Wildcats missed the finals for the first time in 35 years last season and Rillie says defence will be the key in getting the club back to the post-season.

“I do want to address the defence,” he said.

“The way I want to play, I think offence will take care of itself. They were a very good offensive team last year and there are a lot of the same members coming back.

“Rebounding and defence will propel the offence as well.

“Everyone, whether they are an import or Australian content, they’re going to understand they’re going to need to play some defence to catapult our offence.”

The Wildcats added a significant piece to the puzzle yesterday, signing 29-year old TaShawn Thomas, a player known for his ability at both ends of the court.

Perth’s season tips off on October 2 against the Brisbane Bullets.