Coach Rillie Returns to the Boomers

Perth Wildcats Head Coach John Rillie has been named among the Boomers coaching staff for the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, marking his return to the national program for the first time since Australia’s historic bronze medal campaign at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Rillie joins Dean Vickerman (Melbourne United), Kerry Williams (Cairns) and Luke Brennan (South East Melbourne Phoenix) as part of the coaching group confirmed by Basketball Australia.



It marks another chapter in Rillie’s long-standing connection with the Boomers, having first represented Australia as a player between 1997 and 2004, before rejoining the program under Brian Goorjian during the Tokyo Olympics.

“Excited to be back involved with the Boomers. Any time you get to represent your country, in any role, it’s a great honour,” Rillie said.

The Boomers’ qualification campaign will be led by Associate Head Coach Dean Vickerman, with Rillie and his fellow NBL coaches bringing extensive experience and leadership to the national setup.

Basketball Australia Executive General Manager Jason Smith said the group reflects the depth of Australian coaching across the NBL.

“There’s an incredible level of experience and expertise in this group, and we’re committed to the process of bringing in complementary coaching staff,” Smith said.

The Perth Wildcats congratulate John Rillie and wish the squad success in their campaign. The Boomers start their World Cup qualifiers with a double-header versus the Tall Blacks, starting on 28 November in Hobart, before travelling to Wellington on 1 December. 

The Boomers and Wildcats ties remain strong, with Elijah Pepper being named in the squad in October