{{Short description|Australian basketball player and coach}} {{Use Australian English|date=October 2014}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}} {{Infobox basketball biography | name = John Rillie | image = John Rillie 2022.jpg | image_size = | caption = Rillie with the Perth Wildcats in 2022 | league = NBL | team = Perth Wildcats | position = Head coach | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1971|11|4}} | birth_place = Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia | height_cm = 195 | weight_kg = 85 | high_school = Harristown State<br>(Toowoomba, Queensland) | college = *Tacoma CC (1991–1992) *Gonzaga (1992–1995) | draft_year = 1995 | career_start = 1990 | career_end = 2010 | career_position = Shooting guard | career_number = | coach_start = 2011 | years1 = 1990–1991 | team1 = Toowoomba Mountaineers | years2 = 1995 | team2 = Brisbane Bullets | years3 = 1996–1998 | team3 = Adelaide 36ers | years4 = 1998–2002 | team4 = West Sydney Razorbacks | years5 = 1999–2000 | team5 = Penrith Panthers | years6 = 2002 | team6 = AEK Athens | years7 = 2002–2004 | team7 = West Sydney Razorbacks | years8 = 2004–2009 | team8 = Townsville Crocodiles | years9 = 2009–2010 | team9 = New Zealand Breakers | cyears1 = 2011–2017 | cteam1 = Boise State (assistant) | cyears2 = 2017–2022 | cteam2 = UC Santa Barbara (assistant) | cyears3 = 2022–present | cteam3 = Perth Wildcats | highlights = * NBL champion (1998) * All-NBL First Team (2004) * 3× All-NBL Second Team (2002, 2003, 2005) * NBL scoring champion (2003) * NBL Rookie of the Year (1995) * 2× QBL champion (1990, 1991) }} '''John Peter Rillie''' (born 4 November 1971)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.fiba.com/pages/eng/fa/player/p/pid/36604/sid/3627/tid/239/tid2//_/2004_FIBA_Diamond_Ball_Tournament_for_Men/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151005004026/http://archive.fiba.com/pages/eng/fa/player/p/pid/36604/sid/3627/tid/239/tid2//_/2004_FIBA_Diamond_Ball_Tournament_for_Men/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 October 2015|title=John Peter Rillie|work=fiba.com|access-date=10 July 2022}}</ref> is an Australian professional basketball coach and former player who is the head coach of the Perth Wildcats of the National Basketball League (NBL). He played college basketball in the United States for the Tacoma CC Titans and Gonzaga Bulldogs. Rillie returned to Australia and played 16 seasons in the NBL between 1995 and 2010 for the Brisbane Bullets, Adelaide 36ers, West Sydney Razorbacks, Townsville Crocodiles and New Zealand Breakers. He won an NBL championship with the 36ers in 1998 and was a four-time All-NBL Team selection from 2002 to 2005. Rillie began his coaching career in the United States' college system and was an assistant for the Boise State Broncos and UC Santa Barbara Gauchos from 2011 to 2022. He was appointed as head coach for the Wildcats in 2022.
==Early life and career== Rillie was born in Toowoomba, Queensland.<ref name=nbl-profile>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbl.com.au/default.aspx?s=crocodiles_playerprofile&profile=104|title=John Rillie|work=NBL.com.au|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070814073420/http://www.nbl.com.au/default.aspx?s=crocodiles_playerprofile&profile=104|archive-date=14 August 2007|access-date=10 July 2022}}</ref> Growing up in Toowoomba, he played basketball, cricket and Australian rules football.<ref>{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Craig|url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19950315&slug=2110373|title=The Life Of Rillie|work=seattletimes.com|date=15 March 1995|access-date=10 July 2022}}</ref> He attended Harristown State High School.<ref>{{cite web|last=Harms|first=John|url=https://www.footyalmanac.com.au/almanac-basketball-when-the-toowoomba-mountaineers-were-on-top-of-the-world/|title=Almanac Basketball: When the Toowoomba Mountaineers (and John Rillie) were on top of The World|work=footyalmanac.com.au|date=10 August 2021|access-date=10 July 2022|quote=It's a long way from the bumpy Harristown High School outdoor courts to Spokane, Washington.}}</ref>
Rillie began his career with the Toowoomba Mountaineers in the Queensland Basketball League (QBL), where he was a member of the Mountaineers' back-to-back QBL championships in 1990 and 1991.<ref name=hof>{{cite web |title=BQ Hall of Fame {{!}} John Rillie |url=https://www.queensland.basketball/bq-hall-of-fame/john-rillie |website=www.queensland.basketball |access-date=19 November 2024 |language=en}}</ref>
==College career== Rillie moved to the United States in 1991 to play college basketball for Tacoma Community College. In 1992, he transferred to Gonzaga, where he played the next three years. During his three seasons with the Bulldogs, he helped lead the team to the 1994 National Invitation Tournament and the school's first berth in the NCAA tournament in 1995.<ref name=broncosports>{{cite web|url=https://broncosports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/john-rillie/91|title=John Rillie|work=broncosports.com|access-date=10 July 2022}}</ref>
==Professional career== After graduating college, Rillie returned to Australia and debuted in the National Basketball League (NBL) during the 1995 season with the Brisbane Bullets, where he won NBL Rookie of the Year. He joined the Adelaide 36ers in 1996 and played three seasons for them, winning a championship in 1998.<ref name="nbl-profile" />
For the 1998–99 NBL season, Rillie joined the West Sydney Razorbacks.<ref name="nbl-profile" /> During the 1999 and 2000 off-seasons, he played for the Penrith Panthers in the SEABL.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://websites.mygameday.app/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=194501612&client=0-3363-0-210246-16889632|title=Player statistics for John Rillie – 1999|work=SEABL|access-date=10 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://websites.mygameday.app/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=194501612&client=0-3363-0-210283-16889632|title=Player statistics for John Rillie – 2000|work=SEABL|access-date=10 July 2022}}</ref>
After four seasons with the Razorbacks and a grand final appearance in 2001–02, Rillie moved to Greece for the 2002–03 season to play for AEK Athens. He returned to Australia in December 2002<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/d-day-looms-for-rillie-20021207-gdfxe2.html|title=D-Day looms for Rillie|work=smh.com.au|date=7 December 2002|access-date=10 July 2022}}</ref> and re-joined the Razorbacks.<ref name="nbl-profile" /><ref name=stats0203>{{cite web|url=https://websites.mygameday.app/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=190395915&client=0-189-88241-125704-11144848|title=Player statistics for John Rillie – 2002/03|work=NBL|access-date=10 July 2022}}</ref> On 1 March 2003, he scored 45 points and made eleven 3-pointers in a 113–102 win over the Canberra Cannons.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbl.com.au/fs_newsitem.asp?id=692&orgID=3&Oname=NBL&O1c=11&O10c=12|title=Rille Leads Pigs To Win Over Cannons|work=NBL.com.au|date=1 March 2003|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030429082228/http://www.nbl.com.au/fs_newsitem.asp?id=698&orgID=3&Oname=NBL&O1c=11&O10c=12|archive-date=29 April 2003|access-date=10 July 2022}}</ref> His 23.6 points per game during the 2002–03 NBL season earned him the scoring title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nbl.gearbox.performgroup.com/nbl-all-time-leaders|title=All Time Leaders|work=NBL.com.au|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923062541/http://nbl.gearbox.performgroup.com/nbl-all-time-leaders|archive-date=23 September 2017|access-date=10 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbl.com.au/fs_newsitem.asp?id=698&orgID=3&Oname=NBL&O1c=11&O10c=12|title=Rillie Wins Scoring Title|work=NBL.com.au|date=4 March 2003|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030429082228/http://www.nbl.com.au/fs_newsitem.asp?id=698&orgID=3&Oname=NBL&O1c=11&O10c=12|archive-date=29 April 2003|access-date=10 July 2022}}</ref> He had another 45-point game during the semi-finals of the 2003–04 NBL season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2004-03-15/rillie-destroys-wollongong/152606|title=Rillie destroys Wollongong|work=abc.net.au|date=15 March 2004|access-date=10 July 2022}}</ref> That season, he was named All-NBL First Team and helped the Razorbacks reach the grand final.<ref name="nbl-profile" /> He was subsequently granted a release from the final year of his contract with West Sydney.<ref name=crocs04>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbl.com.au/default.asp?s=newsdisplay&aid=1010|title=Crocs snap up Rillie|work=NBL.com.au|date=8 June 2004|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040811162218/http://www.nbl.com.au/default.asp?s=newsdisplay&aid=1010|archive-date=11 August 2004|access-date=7 March 2023}}</ref>
In June 2004, Rillie signed with the Townsville Crocodiles.<ref name="crocs04" /> On 18 February 2009, he scored 34 points and made ten 3-pointers in the Crocodiles' 103–96 win over the Perth Wildcats in the elimination final.<ref>{{cite web|last=Crawford|first=Adrian|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2009-02-18/hot-handed-rillie-snuffs-late-wildcats-charge/300644|title=Hot-handed Rillie snuffs late Wildcats charge|work=abc.net.au|date=18 February 2009|access-date=10 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://nbl.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=77546|title=Rillie fires Crocs to famous win|work=NBL.com.au|date=18 February 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090219180239/http://nbl.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=77546|archive-date=19 February 2009|access-date=30 October 2022}}</ref>
His final season in the NBL came in 2009–10 with the New Zealand Breakers. He was limited to 12 games.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://websites.mygameday.app/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=190395915&client=0-189-12317-95997-369911|title=Player statistics for John Rillie – 2009/10|work=NBL|access-date=10 July 2022}}</ref>
In 481 NBL games, Rillie averaged 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.1 steals per game.<ref name="stats0203" />
In November 2024, Rillie was inducted into the Queensland Basketball Hall of Fame.<ref name="hof" />
==National team career== From 1997 to 2004, Rillie played for the Australia men's national basketball team. He represented the Boomers at the 2004 Athens Olympics.<ref name="broncosports" />
==Coaching career== In 2010, Rillie returned to the United States and during the 2010–11 season, he served as the director of basketball operations for the Boise State Broncos.<ref name="broncosports" />
In 2011, Rillie was appointed an assistant coach of the Broncos, a position he held for six seasons.<ref name="broncosports" /> In 2017, he was hired as an assistant coach for the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ucsbgauchos.com/sports/m-baskbl/2016-17/releases/20170516q0naqj|title=Former Boise State Assistant Coach John Rillie Joins UCSB Basketball Staff|website=ucsbgauchos.com|access-date=23 November 2017|archive-date=6 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206153818/http://www.ucsbgauchos.com/sports/m-baskbl/2016-17/releases/20170516q0naqj|url-status=dead}}</ref> After his first season with the Gauchos, he was promoted to associate head coach.<ref name=ucsbgauchos>{{cite web|url=https://www.ucsbgauchos.com/sports/m-baskbl/coaches/Rillie-John?view=bio|title=John Rillie|work=ucsbgauchos.com|access-date=10 July 2022}}</ref> The 2021–22 season was his fifth with the Gauchos and fourth as associate head coach.<ref name="ucsbgauchos" />
Rillie was an assistant coach for the Australian Boomers at the Tokyo Olympics in July and August 2021, helping guide the Boomers to the bronze medal.<ref>{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Steve|url=https://www.espn.com.au/olympics/story/_/id/31985819/rose-gold-boomers-legacy-more-just-bronze-medal-win|title=Rose-gold Boomers' legacy about more than just bronze medal win|work=espn.com.au|date=9 August 2021|access-date=10 July 2022}}</ref>
On 11 July 2022, Rillie was appointed head coach of the Perth Wildcats of the NBL on a three-year contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wildcats.com.au/news/john-rillie-appointed-perth-wildcats-head-coach|title=John Rillie appointed Perth Wildcats head coach|work=Wildcats.com.au|date=11 July 2022|access-date=11 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wildcats.com.au/news/john-rillie-is-staying-put-in-perth|title=John Rillie is Staying Put in Perth|work=Wildcats.com.au|date=16 May 2023|access-date=16 May 2023}}</ref> Following the 2022–23 NBL season, he served on the New York Knicks coaching staff during the 2023 NBA Summer League.<ref>{{cite web|last=O'Donoghue|first=Craig|url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/perth-wildcats/perth-wildcats-coach-john-rillie-joins-keanu-pinder-luke-travers-and-fleur-mcintyre-at-nba-summer-league-c-11183350|title=Perth Wildcats coach John Rillie joins Keanu Pinder, Luke Travers and Fleur McIntyre at NBA Summer League|work=TheWest.com.au|date=5 July 2023|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230705131038/https://thewest.com.au/sport/perth-wildcats/perth-wildcats-coach-john-rillie-joins-keanu-pinder-luke-travers-and-fleur-mcintyre-at-nba-summer-league-c-11183350|archive-date=5 July 2023}}</ref> Following the 2023–24 NBL season, he served on the New Orleans Pelicans coaching staff during the 2024 NBA Summer League.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wildcats.com.au/news/rillie-set-for-second-nba-summer-league-stint|title=Rillie set for second NBA Summer League stint|work=Wildcats.com.au|date=10 July 2024|access-date=11 July 2024}}</ref>
On 17 September 2024, Rillie signed a three-year contract extension with the Wildcats to remain as head coach until the end of the 2027–28 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wildcats.com.au/news/rillie-good-news-as-wildcats-coach-re-signs|title=Rillie good news as Wildcats coach re-signs|work=Wildcats.com.au|date=17 September 2024|access-date=17 September 2024}}</ref>
In November 2025, Rillie was appointed an assistant coach for the Australian Boomers for the first window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.<ref>{{cite news |title=Coach Rillie Returns to the Boomers |url=https://www.wildcats.com.au/news/coach-rillie-returns-to-the-boomers |access-date=13 November 2025 |work=Wildcats.com.au |date=13 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=NBL quartet to spearhead Boomers |url=https://www.nbl.com.au/news/nbl-quartet-to-spearhead-australian-boomers |access-date=13 November 2025 |work=nbl.com.au |date=13 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Powerful pack of NBL coaches assembled |url=https://www.australia.basketball/news/4400762/powerful-pack-of-nbl-coaches-assembled |access-date=13 November 2025 |work=www.australia.basketball |date=13 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> In February 2026, he was appointed head coach for two more Asian qualifiers.<ref>{{cite news |title=Boomers eye next phase of World Cup qualification |url=https://www.australia.basketball/news/4441021/boomers-eye-next-phase-of-world-cup-qualification |access-date=18 February 2026 |work=www.australia.basketball |date=18 February 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Rillie Makes Boomers Head Coach Debut, Pepper Set to Strike |url=https://www.wildcats.com.au/news/rillie-makes-boomers-head-coach-debut-pepper-set-to-strike |access-date=26 February 2026 |work=Wildcats.com.au |date=26 February 2026}}</ref>
==Personal life== Rillie and his wife Heidi have three children.<ref name="broncosports" /> Heidi is American but holds dual Australian citizenship. Their children were all born in Australia.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbOxkYpdY88&t=536s|title=John Rillie Press Conference - 11 July 2022|work=YouTube|publisher=Perth Wildcats|date=11 July 2022|access-date=11 July 2022}}</ref> His son, Jaron, is also a basketball player.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Melrose |first1=Denholm |title=Rillie backing up efforts for the Bears |url=https://central.rookieme.com/basketball/rillie-backing-up-efforts-for-the-bears/ |access-date=23 December 2024 |work=Basketball Rookie Me Central |date=18 December 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Wildcats Sign Jaron Rillie as DP Following Standout College Career |url=https://www.wildcats.com.au/news/wildcats-sign-jaron-rillie-as-dp-following-standout-college-career |access-date=7 December 2025 |work=Perth Wildcats |date=21 August 2025}}</ref>
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{commons category}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20070814073420/http://www.nbl.com.au/default.aspx?s=crocodiles_playerprofile&profile=104 NBL player profile] * [https://www.ucsbgauchos.com/sports/m-baskbl/coaches/Rillie-John?view=bio UC Santa Barbara Gauchos coach profile] * [https://broncosports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/john-rillie/91 Boise State Broncos coach profile] * [https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/john-rillie-1.html Sports-Reference.com profile] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20160522164505/http://www.nbl.com.au/featured-news/q-john-rillie/ "Q & A: Boise State's John Rillie"] at nbl.com.au
{{Perth Wildcats current roster}} {{navboxes|list= {{Adelaide 36ers 1998 NBL champions}} {{NBL Rookies of the Year}} {{NBL scoring leaders}} }}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Rillie, John}} Category:1971 births Category:Living people Category:AEK B.C. players Category:Adelaide 36ers players Category:Australian men's basketball players Category:Australian expatriate basketball people in the United States Category:Australian expatriate basketball people in Greece Category:Australian expatriate sportspeople in New Zealand Category:Basketball players at the 2004 Summer Olympics Category:Boise State Broncos men's basketball coaches Category:Brisbane Bullets players Category:Gonzaga Bulldogs men's basketball players Category:Junior college men's basketball players in the United States Category:New Zealand Breakers players Category:Olympic basketball players for Australia Category:Perth Wildcats coaches Category:Sportspeople from Toowoomba Category:Shooting guards Category:Townsville Crocodiles players Category:UC Santa Barbara Gauchos men's basketball coaches Category:West Sydney Razorbacks players Category:Sportsmen from Queensland