UC Capitals announce assistant coaches for WNBL 2018-2019

August 31, 2018 | UC Capitals news

University of Canberra Capitals head coach Paul Goriss has named basketball veteran Phil Brown and WNBL championship-winner Carly Wilson as his assistant coaches for the 2018–19 WNBL season.

Wilson returns for a second season as assistant coach of the club she won a WNBL title with in 2010, while Brown joins the UC Capitals coaching ranks for the first time.

Brown is no stranger to the WNBL, having coached over 350 games over 18 years in the national competition and guiding the Australian Institute of Sport to its only WNBL crown in 1999.

The former Canberra Cannons player also boasts an impressive record internationally. He has coached in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

Brown has coached Australia’s women’s national sides at both the junior and senior levels. He was an assistant coach of the Australian Opals when it won a bronze medal at the London Olympics.

Throughout his decorated coaching career, Brown has helped over 30 players become Olympians, while more than 20 of his students have played in the WNBA including WNBA MVP and All-Star Lauren Jackson, and WNBA All–Star Penny Taylor.

“I couldn’t have a better support team than I do with a WNBL championship-winning player in Carly and a WNBL championship-winning coach in Phil,” Goriss said.

“Phil is one of the most well-regarded and respected coaches in the world. He is experienced and an excellent teacher of the game. He is synonymous with developing world class players and we can’t wait to see what magic he brings to the UC Capitals.

“Carly has transitioned well from the court to the sideline and she plays a very important role on our coaching staff. She brings a very defensive mindset to our team and a team-first mentality. She has high basketball IQ and can relate to the current players in our team.”

Wilson played eight seasons with the UC Capitals during her 18-year WNBL career. She retired from the game in 2017 and first took on the role of assistant coach at the UC Capitals in 2017–18.