Michael Clarke has been re-appointed as Head Coach of the MSBL Program after leading the most successful first-year since 2010. The team won six of their last 15 games and were the league's third-highest scorers. Michael introduced a distinct style of play that is both exciting and refreshing. Its trademark, constant full-court pressure defence, allowed the team to lead the league in steals.

"I appreciate the opportunity to maintain our momentum and build on the foundation that we have laid", said Michael. "We still have a lot of improving to do but we have taken that vital first step. We are working hard to master our system, be competitive and rise up.

In Suns Basketball, everybody plays and scores - just look at our team statistics. We take pride in playing our way, with plenty of local people. We are not beholden to the traditional way of doing things. I believe that long-term success must come from within and that players do not develop much by sitting on the bench and watching others play. I am keen to hear from any local, un-contracted players who are looking for real opportunities to reach their potential. There are a few spots available to join our core group that we will retain and continue to develop. Our preparation for next season starts now".

 

 

Tom Knowles has been re-appointed as the Head Coach of the WSBL Program.

Tom has been previously involved with coaching and developing junior girls at Lakeside and over the past two years at the Suns. He has been the Head Coach of multiple WABL teams from U12’s through to D League and WSBL Assistant Coach in 2014 and 2015 for the Lighting and for the Suns in 2016 before being appointed as the Head Coach for the 2017 season. He also been involved in the State Team Program, as an Assistant Coach with the U/20 Women in 2014 and as the Head Coach of the U/16 Metro Women in 2016.

Additionally, he has had Assistant Coach roles at the national level with West Coast Waves and more recently with the Perth Lynx.

“I am really looking forward to working with the Suns WSBL next season, it is an honour and a very exciting opportunity”, Tom said. “Junior development is something I am very passionate about and will continue to be a key focus for me at the Suns. I believe it is a great testimony when clubs are able to retain junior players from U12’s right through to SBL.”