NBL27 Meet the Coaches | Wildcats Assistant Ben Peterson

Ben Peterson begins his second year as a Wildcats assistant coach, with responsibilities spanning individual player development and the team’s defensive preparation.

Ben Peterson's journey through the club began with an unpaid opportunity in the video room. Since then, he has worked with the Wildcats Academy, coached in New Zealand and taken charge of an NBL1 West team, building towards the role he holds today.

After completing his college basketball career and studies in the United States, Peterson knew he wanted to coach. An existing relationship with John Rillie gave him someone to approach about taking that first step.

“I’ve known JR for a number of years, so I kind of just reached out to him and asked if he would take me on staff,” Peterson said.

“I started as an unpaid video intern in my first year. After doing that, I was sent over to the New Zealand NBL as an assistant coach with the Otago Nuggets, did a season there, came back and took over the video room in my second year.”

Peterson then became more involved with the Wildcats Academy, taking on associate director responsibilities and coaching games before earning a promotion to assistant coach in his third season at the club.

This past off-season, he added head coaching experience with the Perry Lakes Hawks.

Basketball had been part of his life well before those opportunities. His father is a college coach, while his own playing career and time in Perth have exposed him to different approaches to the game.

“My dad is a college basketball coach, so I’ve grown up around it my entire life, played college basketball myself in the States, and then I’ve been around some really great coaches here,” he said.

“I’ve been around a lot of winning programs and seen success done a lot of different ways. I’ve been able to kind of blend what I’ve taken growing up, my college playing experience, and then just learning from these guys here, and mould that into my own unique style.”

Peterson wants to continue progressing towards head coaching at the highest level possible. Rillie has been an important source of support, including during his season leading Perry Lakes.

“I don’t think I could have a better mentor than JR,” he said.

“Being able to lean on him throughout my career, the advice he’s given me and seeing how he runs his organisation has been a blessing.

“Even in this last off-season as a head coach, being able to ask him for advice or, ‘How do I handle this situation?’ He’s been massive with that.”

“He jokes around, and he creates a very fun work atmosphere where he encourages you to be yourself. I think he’s misunderstood in that way, on top of being a very, very high-level coach.”

“He truly cares about people and looks out for his people, and he’s loyal,” Peterson said.

Peterson oversees player development across the squad, alongside defensive preparation and individual work with Jo Lual-Acuil Jr., Dylan Windler and Elijah Pepper.

“Being the head of player development, I oversee all of our guys and their development plans,” he said.

“And as the defensive coordinator I oversee schemes, lineups and defensive game plans. Then I’m responsible for three players who I do video and development with more hands-on. That would be Jo Lual-Acuil, Dylan Windler and Elijah Pepper.

“My three specific guys are fun to work with, high-level pros who just want to continue to get better every single day.”

“We each have our three scout teams where we really hone in on them and focus on them, so I’ve got my three scouts as well.”

He sees a strong balance within the staff, with Derrick Alston Sr.’s extensive playing and coaching experience complementing Aaron Young’s head coaching background in New Zealand.

Peterson brings his own energy to that mix, along with an ability to relate to players close to his age.

The coaching group’s different perspectives are put to work in meetings, where ideas are discussed and challenged before reaching the players.

Peterson values the openness of those conversations, including the willingness to question Rillie and explain the thinking behind a suggestion.

“You really have to put a lot of time and effort and thought into whatever it is that you want to do on the floor,” he said.

“We nitpick each other’s ideas in a good way, and it’s constructive, and we end up coming out of meetings on the same page.

“I think it forces you to be a better coach, but I also think it leads to a clear message when we approach our playing group.”

Returning players have helped provide continuity through pre-season, giving the Wildcats a foundation from which to introduce their new additions.

Peterson sees the experience of Angus Brandt and Brandon Knight, alongside Alex Higgins-Titsha and Jimmy Whitt, as adding to the strengths already within the squad.

“It’s cool to have a bunch of returning members of the group from last year. A lot of guys have won in this league at a high level,” he said.

“Whenever there’s that kind of carryover, you’re able to hit the ground running. Then we’ve added some exciting pieces into the mix.

“I think we have added in pieces that complement what we already feel like is a really strong core group.”

“We’re very lucky with our playing group, just a lot of very professional guys who are dedicated to their craft,” he said.

Away from the club, Peterson enjoys taking advantage of Perth’s coastline.

“Anytime you can get away from basketball for a little bit and spend some time outside by the beach is a major positive,” he said.

“Being able to take those moments and just get away for a second and reset, I think, are super important. I don’t think there’s a place that’s better to do that than in Perth.”

Back at work, he embraces the expectations that come with representing the Wildcats.

“The Red Army and Perth as an organisation, there’s always a high level of expectation to win. We feel that, and I think that pushes us to be better every day,” Peterson said.

“It’s awesome to be in an environment where there’s such high expectations and a culture of winning. At the end of the day, we just want to continue to contribute to that legacy and keep building and chasing another championship.”