Perth Wildcats assistant Shawn Dennis heads a long list of coaches set to bring knowledge and experience from national competitions to the State Basketball League in its 25th anniversary season.

Dennis has taken the reins at Perry Lakes and will combine the role with his existing position at the Wildcats with the help of four assistants.

He will pit his wits against fellow Wildcats assistant Andy Stewart (Lakeside), inaugural Wildcats assistant and former WAIS coach Warren Kuhn (Kalamunda) and former Wollongong and Gold Coast NBL coach David Lindstrom (Stirling).

The women’s competition boasts similar depth in its coaching ranks, with former Perth Lynx assistant Narelle Henry (Perth) doing battle with former Wildcats assistants CJ Jackson (Perry Lakes) and Glenn Ellis (Stirling).

Dennis has spent the past three seasons as Rob Beveridge’s right-hand man at the Wildcats and has played a key role in their success.

But Dennis is intent on coaching a national league team in his own right and sees the Hawks job as a stepping stone back to the big time.

“It’s the ultimate goal,” he said. “Obviously right now I’ve got a total focus on the Wildcats, but if any jobs become available after the season I would certainly put my hand up.”

Dennis spent six years coaching Hawkes Bay in the New Zealand national league, winning a championship in 2006.

He relinquished the role in 2010 when he joined the Wildcats and said he took the Perry Lakes job in a bid to stay fresh.

“I’d had a couple of years since I’d been the head coach of a team and, like anything, you’ve got to practice,” he said.

“While I have a great role with the Wildcats, I went and spoke to Bevo and (managing director) Nick Marvin and basically said it was time for me to get back into a head coaching role.

“It’s like players, if you don’t keep it up then you can get a bit stale. It will be a good challenge.”

Dennis hopes to guide Perry Lakes back into the play-offs after the 2011 grand finalists missed the top eight last year.

The arrival of former Geraldton import Michael Lay and Wildcats development players Rob Cassir and Tevin Jackson will help the Hawks’ cause.

Dennis wants his team to play an up-tempo style of game with a heavy focus on defence – a similar system to the one that has proved successful for the Wildcats.

Perry Lakes take on Kalamunda tonight and Mandurah tomorrow in a busy opening week schedule.

Elsewhere, reigning champions Cockburn host East Perth tomorrow in a rematch between last year’s grand finalists.

Title hopefuls Lakeside take on Stirling tonight, while 2012 regular season champions Wanneroo visit Stirling tomorrow.

Geraldton will be hoping to get their title push off to a good start with a pair of road wins against South West Slammers (tomorrow) and Mandurah (Sunday).

Photo by Helen Theoharakis (Hoop Shots)