He's back! It was only a matter of time before a team called on John Rillie to re-enter the fray. Shooting skills and experience like that don't grow on trees. And so it is, that the New Zealand Breakers have called upon "JR, On Fire" to join their squad, which already calls three-point shooting one of its strengths. He joins the team as they sack import and former NBA satellite player, Awvee Storey.

Rillie's game will fit well with the team, which is struggling to cover for the loss of injured star, Kirk Penney. Both players offer a sharp-shooting game at the two spot. Importantly, he will arrive prior to Thursday's match against the Perth Wildcats, a team that JR scorched in his last NBL performance, with 10 three-pointers.

From the NZ Breakers' press release:

"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."

The Breakers currently sit in fifth place -- an unexpected situation, given their strong performance last season and star-studded squad. Injuries have taken their toll however and they will be looking to avenge their 94-74 loss to the Wildcats, which occurred in Perth on Sunday night.

Stay tuned for word on Rillie's blog (johnrillie.com) about the move, once he's had a chance to unpack his laptop with the big move.

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Comments (8)

Anthony Stewart only played a few games
written by ClintDogg, November 10, 2009

It wont be for long, Anthony Stewart only played a few games in his return, and hasn't been heard of since. Don't expect anything more than 4 or 5 games from JA.

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written by mookie, November 10, 2009

Interesting comparison, ClintDogg. You do realise that Anthony Stewart was a career 12-13ppg player, whilst Rillie was a former Boomer and All-NBL 1st teamer? A slight difference.

That said, he's only got a 3 week contract at the moment, so it all depends on what fits the situation with the Breakers' squad.

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former Boomer ??????????
written by ClintDogg, November 11, 2009

What Olympics did JA go to then?. I don't remember seeing him suiting up against the Dream Team or any1 decent?.

He may of played a few qualifying games 4 Australia, but nothing too important. So hes riding off that 1 hey.

Yes a 3 week contract, that's why I say "4 or 5 games" in total, just like Anthony Stewart did and hasn't been heard of since.

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written by anon, November 11, 2009

he played in athens 2004

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Never been heard of Since
written by ClintDogg, November 11, 2009

Exactly my point.

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written by ozballer, November 11, 2009

So what is your point ClintDogg?

You're talking absolute sh%$ again, aren't you? One minute you're saying that Rillie didn't play at an Olympics, then you're replying to "Athens 2004" with exactly my point...

If you're going to talk the crack, back it up with facts.

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No no no
written by ClintDogg, November 11, 2009

I dont care about him being at any Olympics, what I mean is MY POINT EXACTLY when he only plays 4 or 5 games 4 NZ and NEVER BE HEARD OF SINCE just like in Athens when he was 12th man and only got a run thru injuries.

Relax.

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mookies comment at GAYhoops
written by ClintDogg, November 12, 2009

"Oh yeah, who can't do with more ClintDogg in their lives, really? " OK then, please show me your albums 4 sale on the net, please send me the link to your songs to download, please sent me a link to your DJ mixtapes, please tell me what NBL team you worked for and announced for, and what niteclubs you currently DJ at?. This will prove that you and any1 out there is better than me or whatever.

If you cant answer any of the above, it means I will ALWAYS be better than what you ever will be.

Thanks 4 trying to match me, words mean nothing, actions are the go, like ME OUT THERE DOING IT AND HAVE DONE IT.

p.s. Skindog, that's another punch in you mouth when I see you in public 4 saying I smoke crack. I will never 4get and cant wait to see u, maybe at a Hawks game this year or next.

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