The upcoming AUS v NZL Trans-Tasman Throwdown will be first integration of a new coaching structure for the Opals & Boomers with Paul Goriss and Dean Vickerman taking the reins in the absence of Sandy Brondello and Adam Caporn.
Goriss, current coach with the UC Canberra Capitals, was on deck in Melbourne for the recent Opals camp in Melbourne and now looks forward to his first campaign in the role.
“It's exciting to be stepping into the lead role and appreciate the trust and confidence Sandy has in me to lead the Opals, while she is head coaching in the WNBA,” said Goriss.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity and I take this this role very seriously because of the history of success of the Opals and all those former Opals who have paved the way for our current group of players and all the coaches who helped build the program to where it is today as a world class team with a very strong culture.”
Goriss was announced in the role alongside Sandy Brondello’s extension and will guide the Opals against New Zealand with WNBL masterminds Shannon Seebohm & Kristi Harrower.
“I love the style of play Sandy has implemented. It’s a new fresh modern style of play and different to how we have played in the past, but I believe it suits this current group of Opals because it’s also where the game is moving toward,” said Gorris.
“The Trans-Tasman series will a pivotal role in our preparation for Asia Cup in July in China. To build chemistry with a new look team, a new style and to get games is crucial to have these experiences so we can evaluate the players, how we play and what we want to be good at and emphasize at both ends of the court,” added Goriss.
“We will use the series to further execute what we did at camp and continue to get better in how we want to play within the constraints of our playing style and to further learn through analysis of the games to improve.”
Dean Vickerman will serve as Associate Head Coach for the Boomers during the Trans-Tasman Throwdown in the absence of Adam Caporn, who remains in the U.S. with the Washington Wizards.
Vickerman will be joined by long-time member of the Boomers coaching staff Jacob Chance, who recently led the team to an undefeated Asia Cup qualifying campaign as interim head coach.
Also joining the staff is Gerard Martin, assistant coach with the Perth Wildcats, who returned to Australia in 2025 after coaching at California Baptist University. A former U17 & U19 national player, Martin brings both experience and a fresh perspective to the national team.
The AUS v NZL Trans-Tasman Throwdown series starts in Adelaide on Wednesday 7 May, before heading to the Sunshine Coast on Friday 9 May before finishing in Hamilton, New Zealand on Sunday 11 May.
Get insights with Opals coach Shannon Seebohm on the latest episode of the Building Better Basketball podcast.
