Brisbane Bullets, head coach Andrej Lemanis to depart at season’s end

The Brisbane Bullets can today confirm that current Head Coach Andrej Lemanis will depart the club at season’s end.

After five years as Head Coach, Lemanis has called time on his tenure at the Bullets.

The club and Lemanis have been in constant dialogue since January in regards to the position moving forward and the 13-year NBL Head Coach has decided his future lies elsewhere and that the time is right to explore a new challenge, both professionally and personally.

The 52-year-old joined the Bullets upon its’ return into the NBL competition ahead of the 2016-17 season and has been at the helm for the past five seasons. Lemanis will remain in charge of the team for the remainder of the NBL21 season, while the club searches for a suitable replacement.

Lemanis will leave the organisation with many fond memories from both on and off the court.

"I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Bullets and am thankful for the opportunity to be Head Coach of the club. I’m proud of what we have been able to achieve over the past five seasons," he said.

"The quality of person we have recruited to the club is a tremendous reflection on the values we have instilled here in a short space of time. The work ethic and commitment from the coaching staff, support staff, athletes and administration team has been humbling to be involved with and I thank everyone for their efforts and contribution to the program.

"As with everything, we haven’t always got it right, but I am proud of the fact that we have always worked to a set of core values. We care for people, both within and outside of the organisation. We strive to make a positive difference in the lives of others, and that’s a rewarding environment to be a part of.

"Reconnecting fans of the game to the Bullets has been an awesome journey and I’m so grateful to those who turn out every week and support the team. The passion of our members and their connection to the team is inspiring.

"I’m proud of the commitment we have made to junior basketball – connecting with and influencing young athletes to make good life choices has been an important part of who we are as a club. The number of coaches we have had attend practice sessions, sit in coaches’ meetings, and reach out to us for learning experiences is humbling. I hope that interactions with the team have been beneficial in some way for all who have experienced them.

"Relationships are the essence of coaching. I’ve been blessed in my time here to have worked with outstanding people. As always, I’ve learned a lot from others and hope that I have been able to have a positive impact on those within the program. The greatest reward as a coach is seeing athletes and staff grow and develop, reaching the goals they have set for themselves and feeling as though you were able to contribute to that achievement in some small, meaningful way. Since returning to the NBL, we have had two players progress from the Bullets directly into the NBA, multiple players realise their goal of playing for the national team and had many players start their NBL careers with us, the majority of those from Queensland – that’s pretty cool.

"Every journey has an expiry date and so it is time for me, and my family, to take on new experiences and challenges. I appreciate the communication and support the club has given me as we worked through to this point. Given the short off season, it is important that the club can get in the market and appoint the new Head Coach in time for the free agency period, hence the timing of this announcement.

"I wish the new Head Coach and the Bullets every success moving forwards and will follow with interest.

"I’m fully committed to the club, players, members and fans for the remainder of this season. For me, there would be no better way to finish up my time at the Bullets than to achieve success with this special group of people.

"Thank you for what has been a wonderful experience."

CEO Peter McLennan thanked Lemanis for his contribution to the club and professionalism during this process.

"Andrej is a man of integrity and someone I have the upmost respect for," he said.

"Since I have been at the club, he has lead the basketball program with the highest amount of professionalism. His attention to detail and processes is second to none, but more importantly, the amount of care that he has for the playing group and those around him is one of his highest qualities. Andrej’s a high level coach with a deep understanding of the game, his experience, technical understanding and man-management are all traits that will not only be missed, but extremely hard to replace.

"We had a number of open and honest conversations and throughout the process both parties were on the same page.

"Andrej has chosen to take his coaching career in a different direction and we are not going to stand in the way of that. In fact, it’s testament to what Andrej is all about – continued improvement.

"He has achieved everything there is to achieve in this League and has decided that he wants to head down a different path and find new challenges, which I’m completely supportive of and we’ll be wishing him nothing but success in his new endeavours.

"On behalf of everyone here at the club, our owners, corporate partners, members and fans, I want to thank Andrej for his tenure here at the club. He has laid a solid foundation and paved the way for the club’s future and I personally appreciate everything he has done here at the Brisbane Bullets."

A selection panel has been put together in the search for a new Head Coach, with the process to take place in the coming weeks.