Brett Brown steps down from Boomers

After four years in the role that culminated in a Quarter Final appearance at the 2012 London Olympic Games, Brett Brown has stepped down as Head Coach of the Australian Boomers.

Brown, who is resigning to spend more time with his family in the United States, has played a pivotal role in the improved professionalism and development of the Boomers – laying the foundations for the future success of the Australian Olympic program.

Brown said he was grateful to Basketball Australia for the opportunity to coach the Boomers over the last four years.

“I inherited a strong Boomer culture molded by many committed, outstanding coaches and players that have come before me. My staff and I are confident that the current program is well placed to again be brought forward,” Coach Brown said.

“During the past 4 years I have had the chance to establish strong working relationships with our junior National Coaches, conduct many Basketball Australia driven clinics, and host several Australian coaches here in San Antonio.

“These experiences have further confirmed to me the passion that our sport enjoys at many levels.

“It’s been my responsibility, privilege and pleasure working to help grow our game.

“I am especially proud of the commitment that Australia’s best players made to the Boomer program during this term. I leave with fond memories of a group of players who played with a spirit and toughness that earned the respect of the global basketball fraternity. I am proud to have been their coach.

“The basketball community should be excited to have our current group of core players and new talent emerging throughout the country.

“Australian Basketball is, and will always be very special to me. I will continue to help and follow the Boomers whenever possible.”

Basketball Australia Chief Executive Officer Kristina Keneally said Brown would leave a lasting legacy.

“Brett’s contribution to the men’s national team program has been profound – it will last long after his departure,” Ms Keneally said.

“Under Brett’s charge we’ve seen the Boomers surge forward in leaps and bounds – highlighted by the emergence of the likes of Joe Ingles, Matthew Dellavedova and Aron Baynes as star players in our run at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

“We wish Brett all the best in the future and thank him for his amazing contribution to the Australian basketball with the Boomers.”

The San Antonio Spurs assistant coach has enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with Australian basketball, coaching nine seasons in the NBL – including the 1994 NBL Championship with the North Melbourne Giants – as well as serving eight years as Boomers assistant coach between 1995 and 2003.

Under Brown’s stewardship as Head Coach, the Boomers reached the round of 16 at the 2010 FIBA World Championships, finishing 10th, before a Quarter Final appearance at the 2012 London Olympic Games resulted in a 7th placing.

The coaches of Australia’s national basketball teams are contracted for a period of four years ahead of every Olympic Games.

Basketball Australia is currently undertaking a review of the four year program leading into the 2012 Olympic Games, and key recommendations from that review are expected to form the basis for our strategic plan leading into Rio 2016.

As per the usual process, once that review is completed, recruitment for national team coaches leading into the 2016 Rio Olympics will commence.

Courtesy: Australia Basketball