A master communicator with an innate ability to connect, care and inspire.
That’s how some of basketball’s biggest names have described legendary coach Brian Goorjian who has called time on a decorated national coaching career.
Affectionately known as “Goorj” to the basketball family, he will continue his lifelong involvement in, and love for, the game when he coaches the Sydney Kings in the upcoming NBL season.
The veteran mentor was at the helm of the Australian Boomers through two eras, four Olympics, two World Cups and a home Commonwealth Games.
In his first stint from 2001 to 2008, Goorjian guided the Boomers to Olympic campaigns in Athens in 2004 and Beijing in 2008, a World Cup in 2006 and a gold Commonwealth Games medal in Melbourne in the same year.
Returning to the role in 2020, Goorjian led the Boomers to their historic first Olympic medal in Tokyo and then a fourth Games in Paris this year.
Australian Basketball Hall of Fame legend Andrew Gaze says Goorjian’s impact on the sport extended well beyond his role as national coach.
“Brian’s legacy extends to players that have represented Australia even when he wasn’t coaching the national team, his legacy includes the development of the game as a player, a coach and an advocate.
“It’s important to recognise his contribution to the Australian scene as a coach but I think that is only part of the complete story of Brian Goorjian and the significant impact he’s had on the overall game and the contribution he’s made to the lives of many.”
Australian Basketball Hall of Fame member Luc Longley said Goorjian had the ability to remain current and connected across generations.
“He’s an American who learned to speak the Australian basketball language then went through several generations of change and now he’s the go-to-go guy who can communicate with a new generation of young Aussies playing in the NBA who have a different reality,” Longley explains.
“Goorj finds a way to bridge all that and communicate with everybody.
“Try finding someone in basketball that he doesn’t know, hasn’t helped or been around, hasn’t beaten in a play-off game, hasn’t lost to, hasn’t had a fight with in the hallway.
“He’s unapologetic. He’s an American who has embraced the Australian way, added to it, coloured it in and he’s remarkable for his versatility.”
Former Boomers captain Jason Smith, now Basketball Australia’s Executive General Manager of High Performance, said Goorjian helped shape him into a professional player then leader.
“Before we worked together in this role, I already knew that he was the best communicator I’d ever seen and been around. Goorj has the ability to connect with people and identify whether he needs to connect with their head or connect with their heart, he’s got the unique ability to say the right thing at the right time.
“I’ve been able to observe him and he’s like a CEO. He manages people incredibly effectively through his communication style but he’s got a higher demand of excellence, doesn’t suffer fools and the benefit for me is in this game we don’t have time to mess around, he completely trusts me and we’ve very much similarly aligned on the philosophy of the way the game needs to be played and prepared for.
“I’m not ashamed to say I love the guy.”
Jack McVeigh, who made his Olympic debut for the Boomers in Paris, says Goorjian harnessed his passion for the game to inspire his players.
“His storytelling and passion for the game is what captured me. The way he tells stories about the history of the game, basketball in Australia, past teams and past players and how he uses that same storytelling ability to inspire you – whether it’s right before a game, a practice or camp,” McVeigh explains.
“There’s no coach I’ve ever met who in such a short amount of time makes you want to run through a brick wall for them.”
McVeigh adding that Goorjian changed the game by making it more professional.
“Last week I was working out with Joey Wright and he was telling stories of how Goorj was one of the first coaches to really implement daily trainings. He pioneered more professional trainings and changed the culture in that sense as well.”
Goorjian and Seven Consulting Opals Head Coach Sandy Brondello have led their respective teams at the past two Olympics.
Brondello says her Boomers counterpart set the standard.
“It has been an absolute pleasure sharing national coaching duties with Goorj, we have ridden the highs and lows together over many years. Goorj is an elite coach who has brought so much international experience to Australia, elevating the performance of our national teams,” she said.
“Goorj has always been a great advocate for coaching, sharing his knowledge and time generously.
“I wish him all the very best and thank him for his significant contribution to Australian basketball.”
Peter Lonergan, Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence and Performance Pathway, General Manager, said Goorjian’s influence was widespread.
“Brian’s impact on basketball in this country is profound and will continue to be so post his time with the Boomers.
“His generosity of spirit has impacted generations of athletes and coaches and his legacy will continue to build.”
