2019 Game Coaches

Teams are not complete without their coaches; these guys made our 2019 Wudzy AFL Basketball Game a lot of fun

Our coaches are some of the most famous names in Australian basketball – Jason Smith and Darren Smith played professionally in the NBL and Jason also played internationally and captained the Australian Boomers.

Kevin Goorjian has coached basketball in Australia for more than 30 years. With his brother Brian, he coached NBL teams Melbourne Magic and Victoria Titans. He is currently the head coach at Box Hill Senior Secondary College, which is arguably the best high school basketball program in the country, with the likes of Ben Simmons and Robbie Gray being past graduates.

Simon Mitchell played basketball for Australia in his younger days and in the US for the University of Maine – Division 1 NCAA. Since retiring from playing, Simon has moved into coaching, most recently has has been appointed inaugural Head Coach of the NBL’s newest team – South East Melbourne Phoenix.

We sincerely thank these gentleman for generously agreeing to be a major part of this fundraising event and for their time, efforts and support.

Darren Smith

Head Coach

  • Played with Vermont Vultures in MEBA
  • Nunawading Spectres Juniors U16, U18 & U20
  • Victorian State Team U16, U18 & U20
  • Played over 150 games in SEABL with Nunawading Spectres, Frankston Blues & Dandenong Rangers
  • Played 211 NBL games for Hobart Devils 1994-1997, Sydney Kings 1998-2000, Victoria Titans 2000-2002 & Victoria Giants 2003-2004
  • Future Forces All-Star 1995
  • Runner-up NBL Dunk Competition 1996
  • Currently CEO of Basketball Australia Pathways – assisting young Australians in gaining entry to the USA College system.

Kevin Goorjian

Assistant Coach

  • Head Coach La Crescenta College 1980-1983 & 1987/88
  • Head Coach Saudi Arabia 1984-1986
  • Assistant Coach NBL Eastside Spectres 1989-91, South East Melbourne Magic 1992-1998, Victoria Titans 1999-2002
  • NBL championships in 1992 & 1996
  • Head Coach Nunawading Spectres CBA (SEABL) 1994/95
  • Won championship in 1995 which is the first championship won by Nunawading Spectres in CBA (SEABL)
  • Head Coach Box Hill Secondary College 2002 – present
  • Head Coach Australian Maccabia Team. Gold Medal in Maccabia Games was the first time for Australia
  • Currently assists many young Australians in gaining entry to the USA College system.

Jason Smith

Head Coach

  • Played with Vermont Vultures in MEBA
  • Nunawading Spectres Juniors U16, U18 & U20
  • 413 NBL games with South East Melbourne Magic, Victoria Titans, Sydney Spirit & Sydney Kings
  • 3 straight NBL Championships 2003 to 2005 – Grand Final MVP 2003
  • All NBL 1st team 2001 & 2005, All Defensive Team 2000, 2001 & 2005
  • Australian Team 1999 to 2006 includes 2000 & 2004 Olympics, 2006 World Championships & 2006 Commonwealth Games, Gold Medal
  • Australian Team Captain 2006

Simon Mitchell

Assistant Coach

  • Melbourne United – NBL 2014-2018

  • 2017/18 NBL Champions

  • 2017/18 NBL Regular Season Best Record
  • 2015/16 NBL Regular Season Best Record
  • Melbourne Tigers – NBL 2006-2008
  • 2007/08 NBL Champions
  • 2007/08 Melbourne Tigers NBL Club Person of the Year
  • 2006/07 NBL Runners Up
  • Diamond Valley Eagles – Big V Men’s Championship Division1999 -2006
  • Big V Men’s Championship Coach of the Year 2006, 2005
  • Big V Men’s Championship All-Star Team Coaching Staff 2006
  • Big V Men’s Championship Play-offs 2006
  • Big V Men’s Championship Play-offs 2005
  • South East Melbourne Phoenix – NBL 2019 – Current