Wildcats coach quits after just one season

The upheaval at the Perth Wildcats continues with coach Scott Morrison quitting after just one NBL season.

Morrison had two more years to run on his initial three-season deal, but the American has been granted an early release for family reasons.

Wildcats coach Scott Morrison.Credit:Getty

The former Boston Celtics assistant says he and his young family require the support of extended family in North America.

Morrison’s exit comes just two days after the Wildcats announced the sacking of chief executive Troy Georgiu.

Georgiu had been with the Wildcats for 20 years and served as chief executive since 2017.

Financial controller Sanjer Chowdhury and commercial GM Anthony Radich have also resigned in recent times under the new ownership of Sports Entertainment Network.

SEN boss Craig Hutchison bought the Wildcats last year from the late Jack Bendat, who died in February.

Morrison was appointed coach last August after Trevor Gleeson took up an assistant’s role at NBA outfit Toronto Raptors.

The Wildcats made a hot start to the season under Morrison, but they faded badly and ended the campaign in fifth spot with a 16-12 record.

It was the first time the Wildcats had missed the finals since 1986, ending a world record 35-year play-off streak.

Morrison said he needed to move back for family reasons.

“For 35-plus years, basketball has driven every facet of my life but as a new parent of two wonderful children I now must put their well-being at the forefront of all decisions,” Morrison said.

“While I loved coaching this team, recent developments led us as a family to feel that it is in the best interest of our children to be closer to home where a broader and more familiar support system exists.

“My family and the team have taken great strides to exhaust all options to allow us to comfortably return to Perth, but my wife Susanne and I have made the difficult decision that we feel will most benefit our children.”

  • AAP

Most Viewed in National

From our partners

Source: Read Full Article