New leaders at the Miners

BASKETBALL Ballarat announced the recruitment of their next NBL1 South men’s head coach, and director of coaching last week.

James McKinnon is set to join the Miners as coaching director next year, and will work alongside the new Miners men coach Luke Brennan.

“I am honoured for the opportunity to work with the athletes, coaches, parents, families, and the broader Ballarat Basketball domestic community,” McKinnon said.

“The rich history of basketball in Ballarat is profound and well-known in Victorian Basketball and I’m excited to now be a part of the program, helping everyone within it get better and develop.”

McKinnon brings experiences coaching in Canada and working across Australia in regional and metropolitan associations.

He is also the under-16 boys Victorian Country boys head coach for the 2024 nationals.

Brennan has previously worked as the Basketball Australia under-23’s head coach, and assistant coach at Perth Wildcats, Melbourne Phoenix, and Joondalup.

“I am very excited to be on board with the Ballarat Miners for at least the next two years,” Brennan said.

“I have heard great things about the club and cannot wait to get started. I am looking forward to helping not only our NBL1 team but the greater Ballarat Basketball community as well.”

Basketball Ballarat CEO Nev Ivey said the organisation is pleased with the skillset of their new recruits.

“James will be a brilliant resource for our athletes and coaches across the entire association, ensuring great connectivity, from community hoops to domestic competition, and then our elite teams pathway,” he said.

“Luke is an exceptional person who prides himself on developing players and team culture.

“His coaching duties at the national level provides Luke with access to some of Australia’s best athletes and methods, and with off-set seasons can focus on the Miners making finals in 2024.”