Isaac
Years ago
Simon Mitchell who is set to be unveiled as the new head coach of the expansion South East Melbourne franchise that comes into the competition from 2019-20.Part of this story
This was the rumour after Sunday's game, so panned out. Good luck to Simon, good coach, should do well
LoveBroker
Years ago
Although I would have liked a familiar name like Gordie or Shawn Dennis get the role, it's also good to elevate an assistant coach to the highest levels in Australian basketball.
anonymous
Years ago
I agree that it is good to have an asst promoted.
I'm very surprised that it isn't a higher profile past coach or even an asst with the profile like Neilson.
What is the deal with players?
Do they get any concessions or are they expected to be active players in the free agent market?
If you have signed a contract after the announcement, you'd think you would have stay at contracted club, but if you signed a contract before the announcement and you are still under contract you would be a free agent I believe because the terms and conditions of the contract re the number of teams has changed. Wilson be interesting to see how this pans out.
Made my decision easy.. Staying with United instead of moving to the SE Melb franchise..
GM Greer using all his experience in business and sports to get the HC!
Mitchell is a very interesting choice?!
proud
Years ago
Is it wrong to hope that a former Magic player like Anstey or McKinnon got the head coaching gig, oh well
Anstey as coach? Good one. Dud when head coach of Tigers (still can't believe they even hired him).
YOLO
Years ago
People need to understand who controls the new Melbourne team then all decisions will make sense.
Creek will be announced as a signing soon enough.
PersonalFoul
Years ago
A good story - Simon has come through the rank and file of state league basketball having known him when he was coaching Diamond Valley State Champ Men with no budget!
Great to see guys like himself not always in the High Performance side of things come up from state leagues, these stories aren't mentioned much - any other former state league coaches in the league???
Great coach, even better person. Congratulations to him!
Larry's boy now in charge. Larry owns the new team make no mistake. What does Mitchell bring to the table? Does anyone actually know?
So the overseas dude is just a smoke screen for yet another LK team? Makes sense sadly.
koberulz
Years ago
Yes, LK secretly controls every business owned by anyone who's ever been in the same room as him.
Yeah it was really good to see that new owner in Melbourne at the press announcement wasn't it. What a non appointment the HC is too.
Greers experience as a business man / GM is outstanding too. Another one of LK's mates of course.
Didn't he coach Frankston Women in SEABL?
Not a great endorsement.
don't forget this was a guy that helped get Anstey fired. Not that Antsey was an amazing coach himself. but even in the article it 'lightly' touches on the fact he sat with the higher ups and worked his way into the coaching staff.
He was selected after a lot of coaches turned it down.
hope the same doesn't get done to him when times are tough.
http://downtownball.net/2014/10/winds-change-continue-blow-melbourne/
Random
Years ago
With him coaching Frankston SEABL women last season, the team only won one game.
WookieE
Years ago
Let's give him a chance, ey? Just because he wasn't successful in lower tiers, doesn't mean that he can't coach in the NBL... Look at Gaze... He wasn't successful with the Tigers and ... oh... well, nevermind... I'm sure he will do fine...
Rohan Shart appointed as Head of Basketball Operations. Now that is a good hiring.
Shortie can fill in very quickly. Spectres boy ;) Nuff said.
Todd
Years ago
I really don't know about Mitchell coaching record or abulity but this smells of mates hiring mates.
How the hell on any level does he get this gig. Surely a new franchise needs some experience and some charisma. He wasn't even United’s first assistant. SEN interview Friday was under whelming.
He was United first assistant, if he can be as good as Kelly at this early stage he'll be fine. It’s amazing how many experts we have here.
So what is Sim's cred in regards to NBL playing experience? Clearly Franga Women's is important ;) Helping Anstey get sacked is Brownie Points.
Hmmm, experience and charisma. Maybe they should have waited for Gaze, he should be free next year.
Did they advertise and who else did they interview. They want support and they give the job to a no namer.
Here is a random comparison
Mick Downer, 10 years plus NBL experience and Assistant Coach to the Australian National Team.
Simon Mitchell, mates with vince crevilli
Sold
Was downer at the tigers when Greer played ?
If yes, then will get a job
If no, then no
How many NBL championships as an AC has downer won? Correct me if I'm wrong but I'm pretty sure Mitchell has the 2008 championship with Tigers and last year's one with United.
Also if you've been paying attention you'd have noticed that downer is nowhere near Andre during the game, not exactly a ringing endorsement. Indicates that Boomers AC role is on shaky ground imo
anon
Years ago
"Highly-rated assistant coach Mick Downer will also be the Head of High Performance and Development. Downer will not travel with the team all the time but will still be heavily involved in day-to-day coaching, opposition scouting, running the club's development program and be on the bench for all home games in a bolstered overall role.
- Courier Mail 18 May 2018.
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