Youth League Rush Appoint Head Coach

The Youth League Ballarat Rush have appointed newcomer Lucas Bourke as their Head Coach for 2015.

Bourke has a wealth of coaching experience with junior basketball at Melton and Keilor Basketball Associations and the Melbourne Tigers, while also a coach and selector for Victorian state teams and national training programs.

“It’s a tremendous honor for me to accept the position and I’m really grateful for the opportunity Ballarat Basketball has given me,” said Bourke.

“Ballarat is a great environment for me, it’s an elite program and I’m thrilled to become a part of that culture.”

Bourke says the role is a good fit for his coaching style.

“I’m a coach that focuses on player development, ensuring players fulfil their potential and become the best player they can be so a Youth League coaching role really is the best role for me in this stage of my coaching career,” said Bourke.

“I’m looking forward to working with the energetic people at Ballarat, they already have a great team in place. I’m hoping that I’ll be able to enhance the program that is already in place, providing players with the opportunity to improve their skills as they make the transition to the senior game.”

Ballarat Basketball Women’s Program Manager and Harvey Norman Ballarat Rush Head Coach Peter Cunningham says Bourke is the right person for the job.

“Lucas has 14-plus years’ experience and a proven track record at the elite level in the development and education of junior players as well as being a highly motivated and committed basketball professional. His skill sets fit perfectly with the club’s culture and our desire to provide a pathway for our regional players,” said Cunningham.

“His past work in national junior and Victorian metro programs will assist with our young SEABL and Youth League groups and his ability to develop juniors and help them grow and make the transition from junior to senior elite basketballers. We are looking forward to the calibre of teaching and focus on player development that he will add to our coaching panels and programs.”