The Australian men’s national basketball team, affectionately known as the Boomers, is on the hunt for a new head coach to lead them into the future. And according to sources, one of the top candidates for the job is none other than current Atlanta Hawks head coach Quin Snyder.
Snyder Emerges as Frontrunner
Snyder, who is in his second season at the helm of the Hawks, has apparently advanced deep into Basketball Australia’s selection process for the Boomers coaching gig. The 58-year-old American is highly respected in NBA circles, having previously coached the Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers, and Philadelphia 76ers.
One factor working in Snyder’s favor is his existing relationship with Boomers wing Dyson Daniels, who is enjoying a career year under Snyder’s tutelage in Atlanta. The chance to continue working with one of Australia’s brightest young stars could be an enticing proposition for both Snyder and Basketball Australia.
Other Contenders Still in the Mix
While Snyder may be the frontrunner, he’s not the only coach still in contention. Former German national team head coach Gordon Herbert has also reportedly expressed interest and advanced to the final stages of the selection process.
Herbert, a 65-year-old Canadian, certainly has the international pedigree. He guided Germany to gold at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and recently took over as head coach of Bayern Munich in the EuroLeague.
Vickerman Viewed as Potential Top Assistant
Regardless of who lands the head coaching job, Basketball Australia is said to view Melbourne United head coach Dean Vickerman very highly as a potential lead assistant. Vickerman’s track record in the NBL and familiarity with the Australian system could make him the perfect right-hand man for either Snyder or Herbert.
“There has been a strong level of depth applying for the position and we appreciate the level of interest and quality presented by the candidates.”
– Jason Smith, Basketball Australia’s Executive General Manager of High Performance
Building for the Future
The Boomers are coming off a somewhat disappointing sixth-place finish at the 2024 Paris Olympics. But with a core of young stars like Josh Giddey, Dyson Daniels, and Jock Landale, there’s plenty of reason for optimism moving forward.
Whoever takes over as head coach will be tasked with molding that talented crop of players into a cohesive unit capable of challenging for medals at the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar and beyond. It’s a challenge that coaches of Snyder and Herbert’s caliber would no doubt relish.
For now, Basketball Australia is staying tight-lipped about the specifics of the coaching search. But reading between the lines, it’s clear they’re aiming high and leaving no stone unturned in their quest to find the perfect person to lead the Boomers into a bright new era.
The basketball world will be watching intently to see how this one plays out. With Snyder, Herbert, and perhaps a few other mystery candidates still in the running, the Boomers’ coaching future remains firmly up in the air. But one thing is for certain – whoever ultimately gets the nod will be inheriting a squad brimming with potential, and a chance to guide Australia to new heights on the international stage.
