NBL champion coach Gleeson Jets into Japan

• Five-time Perth Wildcats championship coach Trevor Gleeson appointed head coach of Japan's Chiba Jets
• Gleeson joins former Wildcats forward John Mooney, who co-captains the second-division Japanese club
• Australian coaching legend returns to head coaching after assistant roles with Toronto Raptors and Milwaukee Bucks

Trevor Gleeson has landed a new head coaching role with Japanese club Chiba Jets, returning to the top job after several seasons as an NBA assistant coach with the Toronto Raptors and Milwaukee Bucks.

The five-time Perth Wildcats championship-winning coach joins the second division Japanese team that features a familiar face in former Wildcats forward John Mooney, who serves as co-captain of the Jets.

"I am extremely happy to be joining a well-known club like Chiba Jets," Gleeson said.

"I want to make this season the most successful time in Chiba's history.

"I am excited to get started and meet my new team, our players and our passionate fans."

Gleeson brings an impressive coaching resume to Japan, highlighted by his historic tenure with the Perth Wildcats from 2013 to 2021.

During those eight years, he transformed the Wildcats into an NBL powerhouse, securing championships in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2020.

His exceptional leadership earned him NBL Coach of the Year honours in 2021, his second time receiving the prestigious award after first winning it with the Townsville Crocodiles in 2011.

The 57-year-old Australian coach made history during his time in Perth, becoming the first coach to guide the Wildcats to back-to-back championships and the first coach in NBL history to win four championships with one team.

His ability to navigate through adversity was particularly evident during the 2018-19 season when, despite dealing with numerous injuries to key players including captain Damian Martin and imports Bryce Cotton and Terrico White, he led the team to an 18-10 record and ultimately the championship.

Gleeson's connection with Mooney adds an interesting dimension to his new role. The American forward was part of Gleeson's final championship team in Perth during the 2019-20 season, which ended controversially when the Sydney Kings withdrew from the grand final series due to COVID-19 concerns with the Wildcats leading 2-1.

The Chiba Jets finished eighth in the B-League standings last season, presenting Gleeson with a new challenge to build a winning culture similar to what he established in Perth. His extensive international experience, including previous coaching stints in the Korean Basketball League with Seoul Samsung Thunders and Jeonju KCC Egis between 2004 and 2006, should serve him well in adapting to Japanese basketball.

Before his outstanding run with the Wildcats, Gleeson had coached several other NBL teams including the Townsville Crocodiles (2006-2011) and Melbourne Tigers (2011-2012). His coaching journey began as an assistant with the Brisbane Bullets from 1997 to 2000 before he ventured to the United States, where he worked with teams in the Continental Basketball Association.

Gleeson's transition to the NBA in 2021 marked a significant career milestone, joining Nick Nurse's staff at the Toronto Raptors on a three-year contract. He started as an offensive coach before rotating to defense mid-season. After Nurse was dismissed following the 2022-23 season, Gleeson joined the Milwaukee Bucks' coaching staff in December 2023 but was not retained after the season.

The appointment with Chiba Jets represents a full-circle moment for Gleeson, who will face his former club during pre-season when the Jets play an exhibition match against the Perth Wildcats during their tour of Japan.

"Trevor brings a wealth of experience and a proven winning mentality to our organisation," a Chiba Jets spokesperson said.

"His championship pedigree and international experience align perfectly with our ambitions to climb into Japan's top division."

For Australian basketball fans, Gleeson's return to head coaching provides another connection to international basketball, joining the growing list of Australian coaches making their mark globally. His success with the Jets will be closely followed by the Australian basketball community, particularly in Perth where he cemented his legacy as one of the greatest coaches in NBL history.

As Gleeson embarks on this new chapter in Japan, he carries with him the strategic acumen and leadership qualities that defined his stellar career in Australia and his time in the NBA. With the 2024-25 B-League season approaching, all eyes will be on how quickly he can implement his championship-winning philosophy with the Chiba Jets.