Father first, coach second: John Rillie on Jaron’s NBL path

Perth Wildcats head coach John Rillie says he stayed out of discussions between his son, Jaron, and the club’s front office before the 24-year-old signed a two-year development deal with the team.

Rillie says there will be a clear separation between his responsibilities as a father and his role as coach in the seasons ahead.

Jaron earned a spot on the Wildcats squad as a Development Player this season and will move onto the full roster in NBL27. He earned his opportunity by training with the club during the past two off-seasons while spending time with his father.

“One of the beauties of his visiting in the last two off-seasons was that he got to do a little bit of the pre-season with us for two or three weeks at a time. He got to be around us and some of the guys who have carried over,” proud father John told The West Australian.

“Being familiar with those guys and vice-versa I think is beneficial. Throughout it all, I become hands off in terms of him making the decision in terms of was it a good thing for him and if the other people in the front office and coaching staff are comfortable with it. Jaron and myself were very mindful of the dynamic that’s created in this situation."

Jaron spent the last two seasons with the University of Colorado, averaging 14.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists this year.

When questioned whether Jaron would feel pressure from outsiders on being compared to his father, 1998 NBL champion, 2004 All-NBL First Team member, three-time All-NBL Second Team member, John responded:

"Fairly or unfairly, he’s going to have to figure out how to handle the things that happen in this situation. But no one who is intimately involved can get caught up in that. That’s the beauty of playing games,” he said.

>> Read the full story here: Perth Wildcats coach John Rillie opens up on son Jaron joining teams’ roster in 2025/26