The SEABL Men will be led by Graham Longstaff, who is no stranger to coaching at Knox, having been the head coach of the senior men's team in 1996 & ‘97, which included a CBA East Conference Championship in ’96 with the dynamic duo of imports Wayne Howell and Derrick Leak.

It will also be a changing of the guard in the Youth League Men’s program, with recently retired Knox Ford Raiders SEABL Men’s player Craig Simpson being named the new head coach. Craig is currently the coach of the Under 14/1 Knox Junior Raiders boys' team, who are heading to the National Club Championships this October, and has been a successful junior coach for a number of years with the Raiders.

"I personally am very pleased that we have been able to reward two very committed individuals who, over the past years, have shown their absolute commitment to us as a club in both our Junior Raiders and Senior Raiders programs," said Knox Basketball Chairman Bill Fenton.

For Longstaff, it will be a welcome return to head coaching at Knox, after spending the previous four seasons as the SEABL Men’s assistant coach and the assistant Director of Coaching for Junior Raiders. Longstaff brings a wealth of basketball knowledge and experience to the table which has included an assistant coaching role with the North Melbourne Giants (NBL).

"There is no more knowledgeable person in the game than Graham. He has, in conjunction with Damian, guided and developed many of our junior Raiders players and coaches (including Craig) to where our juniors are in the best shape they have been in years," Fenton said.

"His experience on the bench as Damian’s assistant has been invaluable, which was evident when he took control while Damian was away with Emus commitments. That willingness to step up in Damian’s absence and his underlying want to coach again at a senior level is what convinced us that he should be given the position."

Craig Simpson, who only this time one year ago was being named the SEABL South Grand Final MVP, has shown great interest in pursuing a coaching career in the game he loves. A relatively young coach, Craig will be very keen to have his charges fit and ready to compete at a high level come the start of next year’s season.

"Craig, at his interview, made it very clear that he sees coaching as his future. He has already shown his ability as a player, and also while coaching in our junior Raiders program it showed us just what potential he has, especially to develop and nurture," Fenton said.

"The Youth League teams are our future and we believe that by appointing Craig he will not only continue to develop our young players but he will also develop himself for the future."

Knox Basketball wishes both Graham and Craig the best and looks forward to seeing some great results from both of them in the season to come.