The Australian Boomers’ head coaching search has taken an intriguing turn, with Atlanta Hawks coach Quin Snyder emerging as a potential candidate to replace the legendary Brian Goorjian. Snyder, currently guiding young Aussie star Dyson Daniels in Atlanta, addressed the rumors linking him to the Boomers job after the Hawks’ loss to the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday.
“Anytime your name is mentioned with the national team, or particularly the Australian national team, that’s flattering and an honor,” Snyder said post-game. The 58-year-old tactician, known for his player development acumen and innovative schemes, spent eight successful seasons with the Utah Jazz before joining the Hawks in 2022.
A Snyder-Daniels Partnership on the International Stage?
The prospect of Snyder coaching the Boomers is especially tantalizing given his existing relationship with Daniels. The 21-year-old guard is enjoying a breakout sophomore campaign under Snyder’s tutelage, posting 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 steals in the loss to Detroit. Daniels currently leads the NBA in steals and has established himself as a defensive menace alongside All-Star Trae Young in the Hawks’ backcourt.
Snyder was quick to emphasize that his current focus remains on the Hawks, who sit seventh in the Eastern Conference at 22-21. But the chance to lead a Boomers golden generation featuring Daniels and fellow NBA talents like Josh Giddey, Jock Landale, and Josh Green could prove irresistible. With the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles on the horizon, Basketball Australia is seeking a coach capable of guiding the Boomers to an elusive first major international medal.
A Coaching Search Heating Up
Snyder is reportedly on a Boomers head coaching shortlist that also includes:
- Gordon Herbert – 2023 FIBA World Cup-winning coach with Germany
- Adam Caporn – Former Boomers assistant, current Long Island Nets head coach
- Will Weaver – Another ex-Boomers assistant, recently coached the Shanghai Sharks
Herbert’s international pedigree is unquestioned, while Caporn and Weaver offer continuity from the Goorjian era. But Snyder’s NBA credentials and proven ability to maximize young talent could give him the edge. His Jazz teams consistently outperformed expectations, powered by a suffocating defense and egalitarian offense.
The Goorjian Legacy
Whoever takes the reins will have big shoes to fill. Goorjian, a six-time NBL Coach of the Year, led the Boomers to fourth-place finishes at the 2016 Rio Olympics and 2019 FIBA World Cup. His tenure culminated in a heartbreaking Olympic quarterfinal loss to Serbia in Tokyo, after which he stepped down to focus on his role as Hawks head coach in the NBL.
“It’s been an absolute honor to coach this group of men, to build the program, and be part of returning the Boomers to some of the incredible heights that they’ve had at the Olympic Games.”
– Brian Goorjian upon stepping down as Boomers head coach in October 2021
Snyder’s pedigree suggests he could be the man to lead the Boomers over the medal hump. His Hawks are jockeying for playoff position out East, with Daniels’ emergence a major bright spot. The Boomers faithful would undoubtedly welcome Snyder’s expertise in the international arena.
As the coaching search narrows, the basketball world waits with bated breath. Will Quin Snyder trade his Hawks polo for Boomers green and gold? Can he forge an NBA-Boomers partnership with Dyson Daniels to spearhead the next era of Australian hoops? One thing is certain – for a basketball-mad nation thirsting for global hardware, Snyder’s candidacy is an enticing proposition indeed.
