Braves appoint decorated NBL legend Black as men's head coach

The Bendigo Braves have appointed a decorated NBL star as their men’s head coach for the next two NBL1 seasons.

Two-time NBL champion and former Australian Boomer Stephen Black will take over the reins at the club.

Black played 297 NBL games for the Perth Wildcats, Brisbane Bullets, and Cairns Taipans over 10 seasons, winning championships in 2000 and 2007.

He played in multiple NBL All-Star games and was in the All-NBL first team in 2003/04.

Black also played for Australia during the Oceania qualifying rounds of the 2004 Olympic Games.

The 41-year old comes to Bendigo after many years coaching in the Western Australian SBL competition.

Black said he was excited about having the opportunity to coach in the NBL1, and be part of the respected Braves program.

“I’m excited and honored for the opportunity to lead the Braves and contribute to the proud tradition of Bendigo basketball,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to working with passionate basketball people to build on their successful culture and develop the youth of the region.

“We’ll look to play an up-tempo and aggressive brand of basketball that the fans can appreciate and enjoy.”

Bendigo General Manager of Sport Ben Harvey welcomed Black to the club, and thanked outgoing men's coach David Hogan for his contribution.

“Stephen has a great basketball pedigree and will be a big asset to the Braves and Bendigo,” he said.

View the 2022 NBL1 roster tracker here.