Brian Goorjian open to offers as Adelaide’s search for a new coach continues
Australia’s greatest-ever coach will consider a pitch from the Adelaide 36ers to put him in the hot seat of the NBL franchise after the Paris Olympics.
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Australia’s greatest coach Brian Goorjian will listen to the Adelaide 36ers’ coaching pitch – as he weighs up his next move post the Paris Olympics.
Code Sports can also reveal that once the NBA season is finished, former Perth mentor Trevor Gleeson, who is currently an assistant at the Milwaukee Bucks, is out of contract and will be targeted by NBL clubs.
As revealed by this masthead, Gleeson was in deep conversations with the 36ers about the coaching role, with some sources indicating they thought he was going to take the job.
Six-time championship-winner – Goorjian – is committed to approaching his free agency with an open-mind and will consider all offers.
The legendary coach’s mindset opens the door for at least a conversation with 36ers about the club’s head coaching role for NBL25 and beyond.
Goorjian is on the lookout for a domestic job post his commitments with the Australian Boomers at this year’s Paris Olympics.
He has previously stated he will also look at Asia, but he’s prepared to listen to a club like the 36ers if they come to the table with an offer.
Five-time championship-winning coach Gleeson could also be a target for Adelaide’s top job – just weeks after he looked set to join the club.
Instead, the veteran coach accepted an NBA assistant coach role at the Milwaukee Bucks in late December, but it’s understood his contract with the Bucks ends in June.
It’s unknown if he’ll remain at the Bucks under new head coach Doc Rivers, which could pave the way for a return to the NBL.
Gleeson linked with Milwaukee as an assistant under Adrian Griffin, who he’d spent two seasons with at the Toronto Raptors.
Adelaide’s hot recent form as no doubt added extra appeal to the club’s coaching job.
The 36ers have won four straight games to put themselves within reach of a top-six finish with three rounds remaining.
Current Adelaide interim coach Scott Ninnis is also in the mix to remain head coach.
Ninnis deserves praise for transforming the 36ers into finals contenders following CJ Bruton’s departure as head coach in early December.
Melbourne United assistant coach Jacob Chance has also been mentioned as a contender for Adelaide’s coaching job.
It comes as the 36ers secured a key roster piece on Monday, penning guard Dejan Vasiljevic to a three-year contract extension.
Vasiljevic has excelled since joining Adelaide mid-season, averaging a career-high 18.4 points and 3.3 assists per game.
The two-time NBL champion said it was a straightforward choice to remain in the City of Churches.
“This decision was a no-brainer for me, I am somewhere where I am wanted,” Vasiljevic said.
“I could have tested the free agency market, but I’m where I want to be.
“This season has been great in front of sell out home crowds and I’m looking forward to building on that over the next three years.”
Adelaide Executive Chairman Grant Kelley said re-signing Vasiljevic has been one of the club’s key priorities leading into NBL25 season and beyond.
“DJ is not just a great player, but an outstanding young man. He has electrified 36ers fans with his talent, tenacity, and commitment,” Kelley said.
“We are delighted to have signed DJ to a multi-year deal. He will be a vital piece of or Club’s future for years to come.”
The 36ers host the Sydney Kings in a must-win game at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre from 7.30pm (AEDT) on Friday night.
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