RILLIE FLIES IN AS REINFORCEMENT AS STOREY IS RELEASED
The Burger King NZ Breakers are flying in an ANBL veteran to supplement their playing stocks ahead of Thursday night’s home game against the Perth Wildcats with John Rillie jetting into the club late last night. And as the club considers the ideal playing mix for the remainder of the season, the decision has also been made today to release American import Awvee Storey.
The call to release Storey was not one taken lightly by the club, with Head Coach Andrej Lemanis wishing the American well in the future.
“Awvee has acted like the true professional he is throughout his time with us, working hard on and off court. But from time to time you are faced with making tough calls and this was one of them, things simply weren’t working out and we needed to make a change. All of us on the team and at the club wish Awvee and his family all the best for the future.”
Meanwhile former Boomer Rillie has arrived at the club, a decision that was taken prior to that of letting Storey go. With Kirk Penney still out injured and back up centre Alex Pledger out for at least a further 3 weeks with a knee injury, Breakers General Manager Richard Clarke said the club simply needed another body on the floor at training and on stand by for Thursday night and the 38 year old Rillie has answered the call.
“John brings a great deal of experience and since being let go by Townsville has stayed physically fit and ready to step back on court should he be required,” said Clarke.
“His role in the side is yet to be determined but will be discussed following training today. Our priority right now was just to get him on the plane; we are fortunate that at such short notice a player of his ability and experience was available.”
Former Boomer Rillie is known to many of the players on the Breakers roster and given his experience it is hoped he will fit in quickly and be ready to play a part in Thursday night’s game against the Wildcats, albeit with limited time to run the Breakers play book.
Rillie was instrumental in the Crocodiles upset win over Perth in the 2008/09 ANBL playoffs, hitting a stunning ten three pointers in the 103 – 96 win back in February this year. In his five years with the Crocodiles, Rillie averaged 16 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.65 assists.
Burger King NZ Breakers v Perth Wildcats
Thursday 12th November
North Shore Events Centre
6.00pm Doors Open
6.40pm Team Entry
7.00pm Tip Off
