Brian Goorjian, the veteran coach of the Australian men’s basketball team, has stepped down from his role, Basketball Australia announced on Wednesday.
The California-born coach, 71, led the Boomers to several key achievements, including their first Olympic bronze medal at the Tokyo Games in 2021.
Goorjian, who also guided the team to the quarter-finals of the Paris Olympics, will now focus on coaching the Sydney Kings in the National Basketball League.
His two stints with the Boomers (2001–2008 and 2020–2023) were marked by significant success, including a gold medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.
Peter Lonergan, General Manager of Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence, praised Goorjian’s wide-reaching influence. “Brian’s impact on basketball in this country is profound… his legacy will continue to build,” he said.
Former Boomers captain Andrew Gaze highlighted Goorjian’s long-lasting contributions, noting that his influence extended beyond his time with the national team, encompassing player development and advocacy for the sport.
