South East Melbourne NBL team appoints Melbourne United assistant as inaugural head coach

NEW NBL outfit South East Melbourne has poached one of Melbourne United’s gun assistant coaches to lead the league’s ninth franchise in its debut season next year.

Melbourne United coach Dean Vickerman has lost a key assistant. Picture: Getty Images/AFP

NEW NBL outfit South East Melbourne has poached Melbourne United assistant coach Simon Mitchell to lead the league’s ninth franchise.

Mitchell spent four years at United working under head coaches including championship-winner Dean Vickerman, Dean Demopoulos, Daryl McDonald and Chris Anstey.

He was also an assistant coach at Melbourne Tigers, where he was involved in the 2008 NBL championship.

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South East Melbourne coach Simon Mitchell. Picture: Supplied

Mitchell will be replaced at United by New Zealand Tall Blacks coach Paul Henare, effective immediately.

The NBL last month unveiled South East Melbourne as its ninth team to enter the league from 2019-20 season.

“I feel very honoured, grateful and privileged to step up into a head coaching role in my home town,” Mitchell said.

“I’ve coached and held management roles in a number of associations in the south east, my family lives in the south east and my kids go to school and play basketball in this area.

“This is my community and I’m passionate about NBL basketball returning to the heartland of the game here in Melbourne.”

Melbourne United coach Dean Vickerman loses assistant Simon Mitchell immediately. Picture: Getty Images/AFP

Mitchell will be replaced by ex-Breakers coach Paul Henare. Picture: AAP

South East Melbourne general manager Tommy Greer said Mitchell brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the expansion team.

“Most importantly he has been part of a winning culture during his time at Melbourne United,” Greer said.

“Simon also has strong roots in South East Melbourne, understands the local community and will help build a great club on and off the court.

“He will start immediately as we now build a team around him for our first season in the NBL in 2019/20.”