Perth Wildcats Coach Defends Keanu Pinder Amid Scrutiny

Perth Wildcats coach John Rillie has strongly defended star player Keanu Pinder amidst growing scrutiny ahead of their semifinal clash against Tasmania on Wednesday night.

Rillie expressed his frustration over the league’s decision to place Pinder in concussion protocols, labeling it a major distraction for both the player and the team.

The Wildcats’ season came to a disappointing end with a 100-84 defeat at their home court, RAC Arena. Pinder, who had been dominant in game one, put up a lackluster performance, failing to score and noticeably starting the match without his protective face mask.

Despite the setback, Rillie stood by Pinder, emphasizing the challenges he faced due to the external pressures and the impact it had on his game.

The coach’s vocal support for Pinder underscores the team’s unity and resilience in the face of adversity, highlighting their commitment to standing by each other through tough times.