Wildcats welcome Derrick Alston Sr. to coaching staff

The Perth Wildcats have added extensive experience to the club’s coaching staff, with Derrick Alston Sr. joining as an assistant coach ahead of the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 season.

Alston arrives in Perth with a respected basketball resume built across the NBA, NBA G League, NBL and international basketball as both a player and coach.

A former Duquesne standout, Alston was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 33rd overall pick in the 1994 NBA Draft before going on to play in the NBA with the 76ers and Atlanta Hawks.

His playing career also included 15 years internationally, with stints at some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, as well as time in the NBL with the New Zealand Breakers during the 2007/08 season, where he helped the club reach the playoffs for the first time in its history.

Following his playing career, Alston moved into coaching in 2012 and has since built an impressive coaching resume across the highest levels of the game.

Perth Wildcats Head Coach John Rillie said Alston would be a strong addition to the Wildcats program.

“Adding Derrick to the staff will bring vast experience in all areas,” Rillie said.

“A high-level player and coach, we will all learn with a new set of eyes around our group.”

Alston began his coaching career with the Houston Rockets as a player development coach before moving into the NBA G League.

He spent seven seasons with the Westchester Knicks, the NBA G League affiliate of the New York Knicks, initially as an assistant coach before being promoted to head coach.

Alston joins the Perth Wildcats after spending the past two seasons with the Wisconsin Herd, the NBA G League affiliate of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Alston said he was grateful for the opportunity to join one of professional basketball’s most respected clubs.

“I want to sincerely thank the Perth Wildcats organisation, Coach John Rillie, and the entire coaching and support staff for the warm welcome,” Alston said.

“It is an honour to join one of the most respected clubs in professional basketball.

“I am grateful for the trust the organisation has placed in me, and I look forward to doing my part to contribute to a team that is built to compete for a championship.

“I’m excited to get to work and be part of what promises to be a special season.”

Alston also brings international coaching experience to the organisation, having led the Montréal Alliance in the Canadian Elite Basketball League and Pioneros de Los Mochis in Mexico’s CIBACOPA.

Perth Wildcats COO and General Manager of Basketball Operations Danny Mills said Alston’s experience across multiple levels of the game would be a valuable addition to the club’s coaching group.

"Attracting someone of Derrick's experience and character to our coaching staff is a fantastic addition to our organisation.

His resume as both a player and coach speaks for itself, and our players and staff will benefit greatly from his knowledge on and off the court." Mills said.

The Wildcats will open the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 season against the South East Melbourne Phoenix at RAC Arena on Saturday 19 September.