Adam Caporn Takes the Helm as New Boomers Head Coach, Targeting Gold in Los Angeles

Adam Caporn Appointed New Boomers Head Coach

Adam Caporn has been appointed the new head coach of the Australian men's basketball team, the Boomers. He takes over from Brian Goorjian, who stepped down after serving as head coach for several years. Caporn, a 42-year-old West Australian, is currently an assistant coach with the NBA's Washington Wizards.

Caporn has extensive experience in basketball, having served as head coach of Basketball Australia's Centre of Excellence at the AIS from 2014-21. He has also worked in the US as head coach of the G-League's Long Island Nets and as an assistant at the NBA's Brooklyn Nets.

Caporn was selected for the head coach position after being in a group of five finalists, which included Quin Snyder, Gordon Herbert, Will Weaver, and Bret Brielmaier. Atlanta Hawks coach Snyder withdrew from the running due to time commitments.

Caporn worked under previous Boomers coaches Andrej Lemanis and Goorjian at the last four major tournaments, helping Australia to its historic Olympic bronze medal in Tokyo in 2021.

"I couldn't speak initially. It was a surreal moment and I felt very honoured and humbled," Caporn said.

The Boomers missed out on a medal at last year's Olympics after securing bronze in Tokyo. Caporn said the team's goal for the Los Angeles Olympics remains a gold medal.

"Absolutely, I think we have to (aim for gold medals)," he said.

Caporn will meet with veterans Joe Ingles and Patty Mills, as well as other players, to determine their roles in the team. He also plans to integrate young talent into the program.

Chicago Bulls star Josh Giddey praised Caporn's appointment and believes he is the perfect person to lead the Boomers.

"He's right up there. I've been around a lot of coaches and in terms of X's and O's and the way Capes sees the game, I think he's right up there with a lot of coaches I've been around," Giddey said.

Giddey also acknowledged the team's transition period but expressed confidence in the next generation of players.

Another major question for Caporn is whether nine-time NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving will be able to join the Boomers for future tournaments. Irving, who was born in Melbourne, has previously represented the United States at the Olympics but has expressed his desire to represent Australia in the future.

"It speaks volumes about the renowned Boomers culture and the passionate environment of international basketball," Caporn said of Irving's potential addition.

Melbourne United coach Dean Vickerman has been appointed as the Boomers' associate head coach. He will take over the head coaching responsibilities if there is a clash with Caporn's NBA schedule.