NBL1 South: Andrew Gaze, Warrick Giddey named Melbourne Tigers coaches
Two Melbourne Tigers legends will be back in the hot seat for the upcoming NBL1 South season after they were named men’s and women’s coaches.
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Two NBL legends are set to return to the Melbourne Tigers hot seat for the upcoming NBL1 South season.
The Tigers have announced the appointments of Andrew Gaze and Warrick Giddey — who both have their singlets retired by the club — as coaches for the men’s and women’s teams respectively.
Chris Brooking, the Tigers’ general manager, said a ‘go local’ policy had been implemented in the search for coaches.
Both have previously coached at different levels in the club’s program.
“It is great we’ve been able to recruit ‘Gazey’ and ‘Wazza’ from inside the Tigers family,” Brooking said.
“We take real pride in the players and coaches who have come through our organisation and progressed into the NBL or higher. There are three current coaches — Brian Goorjian (Illawarra Hawks) Simon Mitchell (South East Melbourne Phoenix) and Dean Vickerman (Melbourne United) — in the national program who have all coached at the Melbourne Tigers.
“We took the opportunity to appoint our two coaches because they understand the club’s culture and the expectations we have.”
While the Tigers are yet to officially name their roster — with announcements set to be made in the coming weeks — Brooking said there was plenty to be excited about.
“Across the competition everyone is just keen to get back out on the court after the past two years,” he said.
“Our men’s program is probably a little bit more advanced compared to the women’s team but it’s important to keep in mind there is still about 10 weeks until the season starts.
“When it came to appointing the right coach for our women we wanted to take our time and Warrick has been overseas with his son Josh (who plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder).
“We have some open sessions on Wednesday night and we’re excited about what’s to come.”
Gaze will be assisted by Av Bajram and Jay Lomer throughout the season.
Meanwhile, Kelly Breazeale and Courtney Gaze-Pearson have been named as Giddey’s assistants.
The Tigers will open their season on April 22 in a double-header against competition newcomers the Casey Cavaliers.
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