The Secret to Perth's Perfect Start

Perth Wildcats coach John Rillie and forward Todd Blanchfield have shared how the club’s new coaching foundations have translated to a 3-0 start to the season.

Rillie’s unselfish coaching style was a staple of the Wildcats’ pre-season, and that philosophy was clear in Monday night’s 105-76 win over the Cairns Taipans.

“Ever since I got the job and started taking over this group, I’ve preached unselfishness, playing team basketball, and making the best play for your teammate, and giving them confidence, that’s the way we approach it every day,” Rillie said.

“As you saw from pre-season, we had different guys injured from different times, that was no different (against Cairns), and everyone stepped up and as you saw statistically, we had a lot of contributors across the board.

“Our guys stay behind, they put in the extra work, they put in the time and effort, so at some stage you will get rewarded.”

Blanchfield also explained how the relationship and the respect between the players and Rillie has been key in building a successful group.

“To see it where it was to where it is now it’s still pretty special to be a part of,” Blanchfield said.

“(Against Cairns) we were down two guys but that’s the beauty of this group, we’ve got such a deep group and when your number is called everyone’s ready to step up and play.”

With the absence of TaShawn Thomas and Corey Webster, the Cats were able to adapt and finish strong with players like Michael Harris, Mitch Norton, and Kyle Zunic picking up the slack.

“Michael Harris stepped up, made some big shots when he wasn’t even sure if he was coming on the road,” Blanchfield said.

Rillie praised the contribution of the players who stepped up in the win.

“Mitch Norton and Kyle Zunic are the guys that set the tone for that, Mitch is really starting to come into his own over the last couple of games,” Rillie said.

“It’s great I can get Norton out for a quick blow and Zunic comes in and picks it right up.

“The way we’re defending, we’re doing a great job, we’re disruptive, we’re creating turnovers that allows our offence to get down the other end and play a fun style.”