Legendary basketball coach Brian Goorjian is stepping down from his role with the Australian national team, according to Australian Basketball.
Goorjian, affectionately known as “Goorj,” has been a cornerstone of Australian basketball, leading the Boomers through significant international tournaments.
His tenure included guiding Australia to Olympic campaigns in Athens (2004), Beijing (2008), Tokyo (2021), and Paris (2024) as well as a World Cup appearance in 2006.
In his recent stint starting in 2020, Goorjian achieved Australia’s first Olympic medal by winning bronze in Tokyo. This year, with him at the helm, the Aussies finished sixth in Paris by going 1-2 in group phase before bowing out against Serbia in the quarter-finals.
Australian Basketball Hall of Fame members Andrew Gaze and Luc Longley praised Goorjian’s profound impact on the sport, noting his exceptional ability to connect across generations.
Former Boomers captain Jason Smith and new Olympian Jack McVeigh also highlighted Goorjian’s unique coaching style and inspirational storytelling.
Sandy Brondello, Seven Consulting Opals Head Coach, expressed gratitude for Goorjian’s contributions, noting his elite coaching and advocacy for the sport.
Basketball Australia’s Peter Lonergan emphasized Goorjian’s widespread influence, which will continue to resonate even after his departure.
Goorjian will now focus on his upcoming role with the Sydney Kings in the NBL.
