New coach to help lead charge for a Big V title

THE Surf Coast Chargers will have a former state coach of the year leading its senior men’s programs in 2025.

Dan Riches will be at the helm of the Chargers Big V side for the next two seasons, and has his sights firmly set on championship glory during his tenure.

The Charlemont local brings a wealth of his experience to the Chargers, having coached at Duke University’s basketball camp in North Carolina for five years and led five Australian teams on tours of the US, competing at NCAA, High School, and AAU levels.

He won the CBL State Championships in 2009, 2010, and 2011 with the Corio Bay Stingrays Men and in 2013 won the Big V State Championship.

In 2015, Riches transitioned into the role of General Manager, and once again claimed state honours.

His stacked resume also includes founding the Corio Bay Stingrays and being the director of coaching for both the club and the Bellarine Storm.

Motivated for the new challenges which lay ahead, Riches said he could not wait to get started with the Chargers.

“The timing of it all was just perfect for me and gives me plenty of time to plan and see what we’ve got ahead of March.

“I have a lot of respect for what David Scott and Simon Jessen did down here, and I can’t wait I guess build on what they did. They took the guys to a grand final last year.

“The club aligns with my values and where I see myself going too. I can’t wait.”

Riches said the transition into coaching was one he had to get used too, having been a very good player on court.

As a senior player, he competed at the NBL1 level with the Geelong Supercats, Mildura Mavericks, and South Adelaide Basketball clubs.

He also experienced NBL pre-seasons with the SE Melbourne Magic in 1997-98 and the Adelaide 36ers in 2001-02.

A significant knee injury forced him to retire from playing at 23 years old, but his passion for the game led him into coaching.

“I was born into basketball, for as long as I can remember I’ve been on the court.

“I’m a real player’s coach and love forming great relationships. I know what it’s like to be playing on those cold nights in July and know when the guys will need a refresher.

“I just love the game and bring a lot of experience from both my playing and coaching days thus far.”