Ballarat basketball icon back at the helm as Miners coach

TWENTY five years after leading Ballarat Miners to their last men’s conference championship in the former South East Australian Basketball League (SEABL) competition, Ray Borner is back at the helm as head coach.

The Ballarat and Australian basketball icon takes over the reins from Luke Brennan, who advised the club that he will be unavailable to commit to the majority of the upcoming NBL1 season due to external basketball opportunities.

As a result, the Miners and Brennan have mutually agreed to move in a different direction for 2026.

As part of the new coaching structure, Ballarat born-and-bred Borner will step in as head coach, working alongside the club’s current assistant coaches.

Borner brings an extraordinary resume to the role, including four Olympic campaigns, Basketball Hall of Fame and Order of Australia medal honours and recent senior coaching experience.

Ballarat basketball chief executive Travis Merlo said, just as importantly, Borner brought a deep connection to Ballarat and a shared vision for strengthening local pathways.

“Ray’s passion for Ballarat basketball, combined with his experience at the highest level, makes this a special appointment for our club,” Merlo said.

“He understands what this program represents and is fully aligned with our long-term vision of developing local athletes, coaches and stronger connections between our junior and senior programs.”

Borner shared his excitement about returning to the club.

“I’m excited to be back coaching the Ballarat Miners, a club that holds special meaning for me after leading the team to its last conference championship in 2001,” he said.

“My focus is on building a strong, sustainable program that gives local Ballarat players the opportunity to compete and develop at a high level.

“This is a great opportunity to bring new ideas and fresh energy to the program.

“I’m grateful for the trust shown in me and look forward to working closely with our local assistant coaches to move the Miners forward.”

Merlo said it was his belief the combination of Borner’s experience and leadership, alongside the current assistant coaching staff, would provide the ideal balance as the club prepared for the 2026 NBL1 season.

“We are excited for the season ahead and look forward to seeing this new coaching structure in action,” he said.

Borner’s appointment means both Miners senior teams will enter the 2026 NBL1 season with new coaches, following last month’s appointment of Brendan Joyce as women’s coach.