Anonymous
Years ago
Wildcats announce Mike Kelly as Associate Head Coach
Wildcats Twitter account has suggested they're about to announce some news.
Anyone know? Head coach?
Anonymous
Years ago
Wildcats Twitter account has suggested they're about to announce some news.
Anyone know? Head coach?
Isaac
Years ago
The @PerthWildcats have named Mike Kelly Associate Head Coach for the next two seasons
— The NBL (@NBL) July 26, 2021
The NBL20 Coach of the Year heads west after most recently leading the Cairns Taipans for the past three seasons.
Perth are still expected to appoint a Head Coach ahead of #NBL22
Very good decision, Kelly will fit right in there with Perth culture.
Whats the difference between an Associate Head Coach & and assistant coach??
D2.0
Years ago
I think that's a way of saying that we want SOMEBODY in the chair so we can start our pre-season, whilst still searching/waiting for somebody better qualified.
He seemed to be well respected at MU, so I'm happy enough with him in that role.
Hopefully some players to follow.
>Whats the difference between an Associate Head Coach & and assistant coach??
Probably dollars
Ankle Breaker
Years ago
It's really an NBA type role, the Associate Head Coach is the next in command from the head coach, ahead of all the other assistant coaches.
I am not sure if there are any similar positions at any other NBL team. They generally dont have many assistant coaches like an NBA team.
Maybe the Wildcats are concerned that it may take awhile to fill teh head coach role, so atleast put someone in charge who has an idea how it works in the NBL and has some contacts for scouting imports.
I thought Mike Kelly was a pretty solid coach for the Taipans, so not a bad pickup for the Wildcats.
I won't make Perth my most disliked side now, I’m actually hoping they do well, Mike is a straight shooter and knows his basketball, Cairns are a basket case. Will Machado follow him there ?
PyroCross
Years ago
I find it strange they've hired an Associate Head Coach before hiring the actual HC - surely the actual HC had a say in this?
LITS
Years ago
Just a theory... But could it be we have agreed to terms with a new Head Coach but it can't be announced yet because they are currently coaching elsewhere, and can't get back to Perth for the announcement... I'm thinking Matty Nielsen.
Surely the new Head Coach would want a say in who his lead assistant is going to be, and if it was Nielsen. He could have approved the Kelly signing form Tokyo.
Great pickup - Seems a really decent human being who keeps his composure and oozes professionalism. Welcome aboard I say.
Perthworld
Years ago
We already have thousands of assistants on the bench so may as well have two head coaches.
I can't see Nielsen going to Perth as I think he was in the chair two seasons ago but Gleeson won the comp and extended. He rejected the kings offer as well, his family could be the only reason I see Perth as an option or it’s crack the nba.
TB
Years ago
If we are hiring a head coach level person as an assistant they must have a big name overseas gut ready for the head role. Kelly knows the league, players, refs coaches etc. Good get as an assistant (associate)
Mobbin
Years ago
Always seemed a high class player and straight shooter so if we go for a young / up coming head coach he would be good support structure move. Would assume Bob Thornton, who was a Gleeson mentor, is gone then.
Rain Man
Years ago
Mike Brown was "associate head coach" at Warriors. Basically filled in as head when Kerr wasn't there. Maybe this is a simple case of he’s the head coach until a better option is found or he delivers results, where he would then be elevated. Seems like money saving for the new owners possibly and also a way to connect the league to the prestige of NBA?
Zodiac
Years ago
Yeah this is a pretty good sign of things to come for Wildcats fans. Mike Kelly is obviously HC material so for him to go back down to take an assistant coach position suggests they've got a pretty big fish lined up who for whatever reason can't be announced just yet. He's also likely there to help show an inexperienced HC the ropes.
I too would be thinking Matt Nielsen currently on the Boomers coaching staff in Tokyo might be the one.
D2.0
Years ago
Hard to say with Nielsen. His family was settled in Perth, and they basically moved just before Covid hit. That might be a strain, but where's his wife from?
As they say, Happy Wife = Happy Life
Fat Harold
Years ago
What's happened to the great big guy who was Trev's assistant this year. He has NBA experience, been around Trev for a year and knows his system. The Cats wouldn't have brought him out from the USA if he was a dud and he wouldn't have come out here for the money, I assume. Maybe Trev's given him the bums rush, but I would have thought he'd be the obvious choice.
Tricks
Years ago
Good dude. Really good dude. One of the most pure bball people I've ever known.
Will fit in at Perth.
Zodiac
Years ago
He has NBA experience, been around Trev for a year and knows his system.
He represents everything Perth stands work. Hard work. Team work.
Neilson will be announced the next coach just before the summer league starts. It's almost a done deal
D2.0
Years ago
I got the impression Bob essentially came out of retirement for the Perth job.
I'm not sure if he's even still in Perth, somebody said he'd gone back to America???
TB
Years ago
Lol Anon says that Nielson is a done deal...then cancels themself out by saying Nielson has zero interest.
Anon's split personality makes it hard to take them seriously but does make for some fun reading.
Bol
Years ago
I would have been pleased if Kelly was announced as the head coach. He's a very good coach it will be interesting to see who will be named head coach.
I cant see machado playing for the cats with Norton their starting PG and future captain.
Luuuc
Years ago
We already have thousands of assistants on the bench so may as well have two head coaches.
proud
Years ago
Wildcats has a culture for being a great defensive team and with Mike Kelly being a legendary defender himself (watch him put the clamps on prime Gaze) then you'd imagine the defensive reputation isn't changing with Mike around.
So we have head coaches, associate head coaches and whatever Dan Shamir is (director of coaching I think it is)... strange job titles these days
Neilson aint Komin ... So the plot thickens
Phil Handy mm would be perfect for the role
Zodiac
Years ago
So we have head coaches, associate head coaches and whatever Dan Shamir is (director of coaching I think it is)... strange job titles these days
Kelly's team was horrible defensively this year so I'm not convinced
Great signing. There is a reason he isn't in Cairns now. He actually can't coach!
el jefe
Years ago
no neilson aint komin in as HC so stop speculatin .. almost a done deal LOL
where do u people make your shxt up
loungefly
Years ago
According to the West Australian but rest of the story is blocked behind a paywall
"Perth Wildcats have appointed former assistant coach Matt Nielsen and ex-Australian Boomers coach Andrej Lemanis to an Advisory Committee"
Coaches don't play defence, players do, Kelly was benching players like Noi, problem next man up is just as bad.
Smart move by Perth.
Perth fan.
Years ago
If Kelly is our assistant coach oops I mean associate coach then that's a good signing can only imagine we have a big fish lined up for actual head coach.
D2.0
Years ago
No we don't, that's the point.
We've appointed Kelly as AHC, so that we can keep moving forward, whilst searching for a new coach.
He is the acting head coach, until we find somebody better. Hopefully it means the club can push ahead with signing players.
Timeline
Years ago
Why would Neilson give up his great job for a downgrade? He
The West Australian has reported that Matt Nielsen won't be the coach but is part of an advisory panel to select the next coach. Cats hoping for an announcement by mid to late August.
BY the time they pick a coach wont be anyone left to hire to play.
Luuuc
Years ago
Hire to play you say> Yeah, at this rate it might come down to that!
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