Rillie identifies strategy for success

After an uncharacteristically slow start to their season, the Perth Wildcats are feeling the heat going into Round 5 with three-straight losses. 

However, head coach John Rillie has reassured fans the Wildcats are in the right mindset to win ahead of Friday night's clash against the Bullets. 

“The way I look at it is that our group is still in very good shape,” he told SEN.

“Obviously disappointed with the results but as far as the group, where they are, accountability for our performance, we are all in…we are in a good mindset to move forward and win some games in the very near future.” 

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Despite ranking seventh in offensive rating, Rillie is confident the team will be able to find its rhythm, with Bryce Cotton shooting a career-worst field goal percentage. 

“Over Bryce Cotton’s career, this is not the real Bryce Cotton. It’s only a matter of time before it comes to the front,” Rillie said.

“I know every team we play is just holding their breath, so as far as Bryce getting back to his own expectations, it’s only a matter of time.

“To really find our groove offensively, the guys you mentioned (Cotton, Keanu Pinder, Jordan Usher) have brilliance at the offensive end and all it needs is one of those guys to have a real purple patch, and then the confidence will explode. The team just needs to find the rhythm, the synergy,” 

Related: Cotton takes responsibility for Wild decline

Rillie said the team is under the magnifying glass and every aspect of the squad is being analysed, including Usher’s defence. 

Advertised as a lockdown wing, Usher has shown glimpses of a two-way threat, but Rillie said his consistency is the thing holding him back currently. 

“Does his defensive consistency need to be better? Absolutely, especially if he wants to win the Defensive Player of the Year award,” he said. 

“But it is amazing when you are off just a little bit, how everything gets highlighted and accentuated.” 

Ahead of their match-up against the Bullets, Rillie opened up on what the key factor for Perth will be to claim their third win of the season.

“The Bullets are in a similar situation to us right now, trying to find a rhythm and groove,” he said. 

“Whichever team can come out and get off to a good start, that will be a great boost to their confidence. And we are obviously working on that from our end.

“Do we need to win? Absolutely, but as long as we keep moving in the right direction, it will turn around and change for sure.” 

Watch the Wildcats host the Bullets in a must-win game for Perth on Friday from 9:30pm AEDT on ESPN via Kayo Sports.