PERTH Wildcats have signed former NBA player and mentor Scott Roth as their lead assistant coach for the remainder of the NBL season.
Roth’s appointment follows the sudden departure of Paul Woolpert, who has returned home to the United States for family reasons.
Roth has previously held assistant coaching roles with the Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors and Toronto Raptors.
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READ NOWKnown for his ability to develop big men, the 56-year-old has mentored the likes of Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol, Andre Drummond and Amir Johnson.
He played 160 games with the Utah Jazz, San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves.
“Player development is a priority here in Perth and to have a coach with that experience as an NBA player and an NBA hands-on coach with some of the best players in the world is really a coup for us,” Wildcats coach Trevor Gleeson said on Wednesday.
“I can’t wait for him to get on court and start working with the guys.”
Roth most recently served as China’s lead assistant coach and has previously held national team roles with Canada, Turkey and the Dominican Republic.
“To be a part of a growing league, a great organisation, a championship team, and to work with Trevor Gleeson regarded by many as the best coach in Australia, it was an easy decision to come help in any way possible,” said Roth, who will arrive in Perth next week.
“I have heard such great things about the players and their professionalism.”
The defending champion Wildcats sit second on the NBL ladder after six games and will face Brisbane Bullets on Friday night.