A four-time NBL champion, a 13-season veteran and one of the only females to coach at an NBL level are amongst an impressive group of names released by the South Dragons today for prospective coaching positions ahead of their inaugural Philips Championship campaign.

Former Perth Wildcats captain Ricky Grace, current Wollongong assistant Mike Kelly and one of Australian basketball's all-time greats Michele Timms have all been approached by the Dragons and will partake in an official interview process over the coming month.

Victorian NBL veteran Rupert Sapwell and former assistant to Brian Goorjian Lori Chizik round out a formidable list of Australian-based coaching candidates.

Alongside the Australian’s short listed for the interview phase, the Dragons also have international coaching staff in their sights, including a number of contracted coaches currently working within American and European leagues.

“We’re looking for the best coach possible,” said Dragons chairman Mark Cowan.

“Through a comprehensive scouting process, we’ve isolated candidates we feel are befitting to the organization’s vision and integrity.”

Assigned the unenviable task of targeting coaching potentials has been Dragon’s scout Adrian Newall, who recently returned from a six-week scouting tour of the United States.

“Adrian has worked hard identifying coaching talent and overseeing what is a massive operation," added Cowan.

"The next phase of the coaching process is progressing to an interview before a panel of Victorian basketball representatives to share ideas and develop a broader understanding of the applicant's vision, strategy and basketball smarts."

As well as identifying Australian-based applications, Newall’s scouting role has also included overseeing a number of internationally based candidates.

“There’s been a tremendous interest from a coaching perspective with this franchise that stretches right back to our announcement in August," said Newall.

"We're confident that from our list of Australian applicants we've compiled a set of professional candidates, from which we can begin to mould the Dragon's culture moving forward."

“Whether it’s because we’re Victorian based, or simply because we’re a brand new franchise we find ourselves in the enviable position of having assembled such an all-star cast that it will be disappointing to not have a role for all applicants,” added Cowan.

The Candidates

Ricky Grace, Perth Wildcats
Two-time NBL Grand Final MVP and four-time NBL champion, Grace is widely regarded as the best point guard to play in the NBL. Grace’s career-path would lead him to a 10-day contract with the Atlanta Hawks in 1994.

Michele Timms, Phoenix Mercury
A faultless ambassador for Australian basketball, Timms' illustrious career spanned 17-years and includes a silver medal (2000 Olympics) representing the Opals. Timms became the second player in WNBA history to have her jersey retired in August 2001.

Rupert Sapwell, Cairns Taipans
Victorian-born 'Roo' Sapwell played an integral role in the 36ers three championship in the late 90's. A relentless competitor, Sapwell played five seasons with Victorian-based clubs before moving on to represent the 36ers and later the Taipans.

Lori Chizik
Canadian-born Lori Chizik has a respected career within Australian leagues that stretches back to '89 when she lead the Nudawading Spectres to the WNBL triple crown. An ABC TV basketball commentator, Chizik was an assistant to Brian Goorjian (Victoria Titans).

Mike Kelly
'96 Grand Final MVP, Mike is renowned for his hard-nosed defensive play, and two defensive player of the year awards ('97,'98) are testament to his work ethic. Kelly's spent five seasons with Victorian clubs and is the current Hawks assistant.

The Interview Process

All Australian-based candidates will partake in an official interview with Dragon's management, commencing in the coming weeks All international coaching prospects are currently under contract, names will be released following approval from respective clubs.

The Dragons expect to announce a full roster of coaching staff by mid-February. The first announcement will be of a head coach. All assistant roles will be decided upon with direction from the head coach.

Know your stars?

Over the next five days, keep an eye on southdragons.com.au for in-depth interviews with all of the prospective Australian coaching candidates.