Sunbury Jets have turned to the experienced Andrew Summerville to take over the reins of the Sunbury Jets’ Big V division 1 men’s team.
The association announced on Friday that Summerville will replace Grant Spencer as coach for the next two years.
Summerville’s experience includes being assistant coach at the Brisbane Bullets, coaching in SEABL, working with NBA’s Toronto Raptors and coaching college basketball in the United States.
He previously spoke to the Jets about coaching five years ago, but the timing wasn’t right.
“I decided to throw my hat in the ring,” Summerville said after his appointment.
“I’ve been involved in basketball professionally for 20 years and coaching is something I’ve always done.”
Summerville has inside knowledge of the Jets’ program, having been the association’s first ever operations manager over the past 12 months. He will continue in that role.
“I’ve obviously observed all the Big V programs and I’m excited to see where it will go.
“There’s been good steps forward with a new governance program and strategic vision. It’s an exciting time to be a coach.”
While the men’s side hasn’t played finals since 2009, the youth program has been thriving after its teams made finals the past two years.
“We want our senior team to be a pathway and destination for players to play,” Summerville said.
He said the club would probably add a couple of players to the squad to add some experience, but it was too early to say what type of players it will be looking for.
“If we can’t find who we want in Sunbury, we will find players willing to come and play,” he said. “We want to get the best possible talent but also people who will give back to the club.
“It’s about fostering the right personalities, not just the skills.”
The Jets are yet to appoint a women’s coach but expect to do so in coming weeks. Andrew Seidel will again coach the youth league women’s side, after taking the club to the youth league division 2 grand final in his first year.
Brian Ogilvie has been appointed Youth League 1 men’s coach. Ogilvie, who previously played at Sunbury, has been involved at Hume City Broncos as a coach and a committee member.
