Henry confirmed as Wildcats' new coach

The Perth Wildcats have confirmed assistant coach Conner Henry is to take over the head coaching position vacated by Scott Fisher for the next two years.

After Fisher left Australia to return to his native United States at the end of last season, the Wildcats launched a worldwide search for a new mentor - but eventually plumped for the man who had stood beside Fisher on the sidelines since 2006.

And the 45-year-old former Houston Rocket and Boston Celtic is already on the job, on a scouting trip in America searching for talent.

Wildcats chief executive Nick Marvin said Henry had impressed the administration with his strong basketball knowledge, as well as a clear succession-coaching plan for the future.

"Conner is experienced, knows our system, our culture and can really build on what we have been doing at the club over the last two years," CEO Nick Marvin said.

"He's a great basketball mind that the players know and respect." Henry is currently in the US scouting various players to fill the two vacant import spots."

Henry will bring a wealth of experience of the game to the head coaching position, having been schooled at the highest level with stints in the NBA at the Houston Rockets, Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks and Sacramento Kings.

Following his playing career, he spent five years as an assistant coach at Claremont McKenna College in California, before being recruited by Fisher as his assistant in 2006.

Following Scott Fisher's departure at the end of the 07/08 season, the club conducted an extensive search for a head coach.

But despite club legend Ricky Grace also being interviewed, Henry's knowledge and input into the current Wildcats' squad - and contacts in the US - were both considered crucial.

"One of the advantages of having someone like Conner who has been in the NBA and US college system is his first hand knowledge of players, coaches and new talent," Marvin said.

"We recognise that this has been an area where we need to improve and we are focusing our resources on signing two very good players."

Henry is currently attempting to do that, with a trip to Milwaukee and a brainstorming session with friend and former Milwaukee Bucks head coach Larry Krystkowiak.