Tokyo Olympics 2021: Australia without a coach after Brett Brown quits

After being dumped as coach of the Philadelphia 76ers Brett Brown has made the shock decision to step down from the Boomers ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.

Ben Simmons and Brett Brown won’t be at the Philadelphia 76ers together next year and won’t be at the Olympics either. Picture: Christian Petersen/Getty/AFP

The Boomers will need a new coach for the Tokyo Olympics after Brett Brown sensationally decided to step down from his role after less than 12 months.

Brown, who was only appointed last November, informed Basketball Australia several weeks ago that he would no longer be able to perform his duties due to a change in personal circumstances.

The veteran mentor was sacked as Philadelphia 76ers head coach in late August following seven seasons, which has left him searching for other NBA coaching opportunities.

Brown feels that he no longer has the time to dedicate to the Australian men’s national side, so he made the difficult decision to part ways with the team.

Brett Brown addressing his players back in 2013. Picture: John Appleyard

“Whilst I have a deep and long-standing passion for Australian Basketball, I am currently unable to commit to coaching the Boomers at next year’s Olympic Games,” said Brown, who was appointed the Australian men’s coach for the Tokyo Olympics in November last year.

“The uncertainties around the direction of my professional future unfortunately mean that I cannot commit to the time and preparation that this job deserves and requires.

“The difficulties around travelling internationally with my family during the pandemic have also contributed to my decision.

“It is important for me to give Basketball Australia, the coach, and players, the necessary time for a full and thorough Olympic Games preparation in the event that the games do proceed.

“This was a difficult decision which did not come easy. My past experiences with the current Boomer players are among my most memorable as a coach.

“To coach the Boomers was a privilege and an honour.”

Brett Brown in action with the Philadelphia 76ers this year. Picture: Kim Klement-Pool/Getty

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Brown declared he will work closely with Basketball Australia in finding a suitable replacement.

Current Boomers assistant and Sydney Kings head coach Will Weaver would be a serious candidate.

Basketball Australia CEO Jerril Rechter is saddened to see Brown step down as Boomers coach but thanked him for his time and service.

“Basketball Australia is naturally disappointed that Brett is no longer able to commit to being the Boomers head coach for the delayed Tokyo Olympics, but we fully understand Brett’s situation, and appreciate his candidness when informing us of the decision,” Rechter said.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is creating a challenging environment for all sports in which to operate.

“The Tokyo Olympics is an important event for Basketball Australia and our male athletes, as collectively we believe the Boomers have an excellent opportunity to claim their first ever Olympic medal.

“Basketball Australia will commence recruitment for this position in the coming period, with details of the process to be released in due course.”