By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Brett Brown returned to the Australia national team last November to coach the Boomers in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, but the Olympic Games moved to 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic led him to step down from this role, Basketball Australia announced Tuesday.
“Basketball Australia is naturally disappointed that Brett is no longer able to commit to being the Boomers head coach for the delayed Tokyo Olympics but we fully understand Brett’s situation, and appreciate his candidness when informing us of the decision,” mentioned BA CEO Jerril Rechter.
“Whilst I have a deep and long-standing passion for Australian Basketball, I am currently unable to commit to coaching the Boomers at next year’s Olympic Games,” said Brown, “The uncertainties around the direction of my professional future unfortunately mean that I cannot commit to the time and preparation that this job deserves and requires. The difficulties around traveling internationally with my family during the pandemic have also contributed to my decision.”
After recently concluding his run with the Philadelphia 76ers, the 59-year-old American additionally commented on his decision and the transition to the next Australia head coach.
“It is important for me to give Basketball Australia, the Coach, and players, the necessary time for a full and thorough Olympic Games preparation in the event that the Games do proceed,” he said, “This was a difficult decision which did not come easy. My past experiences with the current Boomer players are among my most memorable as a coach. To coach the Boomers was a privilege and an honour. I will work closely with Basketball Australia in any way that I can to ensure a smooth and successful transition.”
Australia qualified directly for the Olympics through the 2019 FIBA World Cup. The Boomers ranking fourth earned the Oceania spot in the field.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is creating a challenging environment for all sports in which to operate. The Tokyo Olympics is an important event for Basketball Australia and our male athletes, as collectively we believe the Boomers have an excellent opportunity to claim their first ever Olympic medal,” pointed out Rechter, “Basketball Australia will commence recruitment for this position in the coming period, with details of the process to be released in due course.”
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