A former Australian basketball representative and National Basketball League stalwart has taken on a key role with a Sunshine Coast club.
David Graham, who played for the Boomers in 1990 and played in the NBL for more than a decade, has accepted the newly created position of general manager at UniSC Rip City Basketball.
The 58-year-old looked forward to helping the club.
“I think it is really exciting what we will be able to achieve,” he said.
“I will help bring a unified vision to the club and help it grow amongst the unprecedented uptake in basketball across the whole South-East Queensland region.
“My role is to ensure all elements of the club are not missing a beat, and that every aspect of what we do is exceptional in order to give each member of the club an inspiring, fun and positive experience.”
Graham, a former guard who won an NBL championship with North Melbourne in 1989 during an NBL career from 1985 to 1995, was eager to get the best out of local players.
“I bring with me strategic thinking, commercial acumen, and a fierce desire to make Rip City the absolute best basketball association in the country,” he said.
“This all comes down to providing a fantastic pathway for all players, coaches, officials and administrators for them to achieve the highest they are capable of in the sport … for our players, for example, this means the Olympics and NBA/WNBA.”
Club president Matt Nason said the appointment of the ex-national representative and businessman came at a time when the volunteer-based and community-focused club had achieved significant growth and success.
“Rip City’s junior numbers have more than doubled in the past year and we’re building on the success of our NBL1 clubs after the women’s team reached their first playoffs since the 2019 QBL campaign and the men’s team played in their first grand finals series last year.” he said.
“Rip City is an amazing association, who’s rapid growth recently can be attributed to a hard working board, a long list of fantastic volunteers and tireless staff Erin Patton and Warwick Wilson.
“Dave’s appointment will take us to the next level professionally, whilst ensuring we maintain our family vibe and our core values of resilience, inclusion, and performance.
“With 11 years experience in the NBL as a player, four years as a Boomer, a highly-successful stint as the CEO of WNBL Dandenong Rangers (now Southside Flyers) and Dandenong Basketball Association, and more than 15 years running radio stations and other businesses, Dave comes to Rip City with an impeccable resume and vast network in the basketball and business communities.”
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