Vickerman to coach Melbourne

Former Warragul basketballer Dean Vickerman has been appointed head coach of Melbourne United.

Vickerman’s appointment follows an impressive stint with the New Zealand Breakers, where he helped lead the team to three straight National Basketball League championships as assistant coach.

He has then appointed as the club’s head coach in season 2014/15, leading the team to an unprecedented fourth NBL championship title in five years.

In 2015/16, he led the Breakers to another grand final series and has become one of the most respected coaches in the NBL.

A past Warragul resident, Vickerman played junior basketball with the Gladiators before progressing to Dandenong Rangers and Melbourne Tigers.

He also represented Country Victoria in under 14, 16 and 18 in the national junior championships. Vickerman also coached at junior and senior levels, winning the CIVIL title for Warragul.

Leaving Warragul to attend university, the former Warragul Primary School and St Paul’s Anglican Grammar student played professionally for the Melbourne Tigers before taking a series of coaching roles overseas and interstate.

Vickerman said it was exciting to return to where it all started.

“I’ve been on a journey since leaving Melbourne in 2006,” he said.

“It’s a great opportunity to support this club to go in the direction that we all want it to. “I’m looking forward to the challenge.” Melbourne United chief executive Vince Crivelli said the club is thrilled to welcome a local Victorian basketball identity back into the Melbourne basketball family.

“Dean’s energetic nature, positivity, strategic thinking and experience in leading championship NBL teams were all factors which saw him as our top candidate for this pivotal role,” he said.

“His long-standing connection to Victorian basketball community, built over more than 20 years of service to the sport, was also critical to his appointment.

“He has a great depth of knowledge in further developing a winning team culture and we look forward to working with him for the next two seasons.”

Under 12A premiers were Rebels Thunder. Pictured with coach Dean Alger are Harrison Cant, Alby Phillips, Lucas Carter, Alixzander Tauru, Ty Ward, Jasper Alger, Logan Joyce and Heath Jinks.

(U14A) Rebels Storm won the U14A premiership. Pictured with coach David Carpenter are Patrick Ireland, Lane Ward, Bryce Joyce, Patrick Carpenter, Aden Guy, Bernard Sheehan, Liam Serong and Riley Ferguson.