Maybe not the best timing to announce.

BREAKING: "We decided a while ago." Andrew Gaze to step down as Sydney Kings coach after the end of their finals campaign. #nbl #kings #gaze pic.twitter.com/bQ5DyA4od7

— FOX SPORTS News (@FOXSportsNews) February 19, 2019

The "mental challenge of coaching"! POORLY chosen words

I find the timing of this announcement really odd. It could serve as a distraction but it could also serve as motivation as you get the sense that Gaze is liked by the playing group (not that professionals should need any more motivation other than winning a title). Not sure why they wouldn't just wait until after their season is done, whenever that is.

I heard it from someone reliable maybe a month ago that he was leaving regardless of the Kings' performance this year, but still surprised they announced it at this point in time, unless it's to start the semi-officially courting of Bevo.

Not surprising- has a tight knit family. His son must be....17 or 18 by now? Girls in their 20s.

He's a family man.

Maybe he'll reappear in Melbourne media. Hope so.

As long as the job doesn't get given to Copeland, and Copeland retires (or gets retired) as well.

So who would be likely to get the Hawks job if Bevo leaves? I don’t think they can afford to risk promoting an assistant coach, given their limited fan-base and financial struggles.

Rumoured, likely movements:
=====================================
36ers: Joey (US), Sobey (Phoenix)
Sydney: Gaze (Commentary), Newley (36ers)
Hawks: Bevo (Sydney)

Fearney to Sydney

Very weird timing for the announcement.

I grew up watching Drewy play, speak and met him a few times. Love the man. But I don't think coaching is his thing. Really hope he gets back into the media side of thing as that's where I think he's of most use to the game.

please Fearney to sydney.

Fearney v Bogut? where's my popcorn!

Hodgo is staying in Brisbane.

So, if Drewey is going, what's the story with JVG? Is he also jumping before he’s pushed, or did he chuck Drewey under the bus in order to save his own job?

I think every man and his dog saw this coming... I said the day that he was signed that he will never get sacked but will have to leave on his own terms... The timing is really interesting though... I like the point that they announce it now, then it doesn't look like he was let go due to getting swept by United... Plus then they've got the time until the first game to just move on from it...

So maybe it's not obvious if it's not a current or former senior coach? Unless JvG has a cousin or something that he wants to give a gig before he "explores other opportunities"?

Hopefully they announce a quality new coach before they expect people to re-up for membership... With Madge signing with the Phoenix, I'm running out of reasons to continue as a member, but at least Gaze not coaching them again is a good start... Hopefully he goes back into commentary as he was much better suited to that and should never have gotten into coaching... If he wanted an administration job, a fan-facing role like a GM or whatever would have been more ideal...

Signing Bogut really helped his win/loss record as that 18-10 helped bring him back to 50%...

I'd love to believe that anonymous post above, because then that means Bevo would stay in the Illawarra!

Surely you aren't implying Bogut as the Captain/Coach?

If the Kings are blazing away on a brand new, competent direction then I'm expecting Bevo. If it's Copeland on the other hand...

So, if Drewey is going, what's the story with JVG? Is he also jumping before he's pushed, or did he chuck Drewey under the bus in order to save his own job?

You'd have to think its the latter.

Rightly or Wrongly, he's assembled a super squad that anybody but Gaze would have ridden to top spot and championship favourtism. His argument will be that with the right coach success is guaranteed.

Couldn't Gaze let Dane Pineau make the announcement?

I'd love to believe that anonymous post above, because then that means Bevo would stay in the Illawarra!

Surely you aren't implying Bogut as the Captain/Coach?

Kendall CAN coach...

So can Coach Carter : )

Who's the tall dude with the glasses who appeared on the Kings bench a little while ago? Name escapes me, but I think it saw it on these boards.

AngusH - that's Dane's dad, isn't it? Assistant coach and ex-Tiger and mate of Gazey, yes?

Nielsen did cross my mind if what anon means by "senior coach" = head coach.

I find it funny this site has anonymous posting to make it easier for news to be leaked without registering etc. yet the anons still won't do it.

Not Bevo, hasn't coached before, won't be named until after GF...

Clearly Homocide.

Can someone remind me of Shane Heal's coaching credentials and success rate?

Surely Sydney wouldn’t take that big a gamble?

If the Gleeson to China rumour is true then I would imagine Nielsen would probably take over from him at Perth.

Gleeson won't go to China. His wife has had a serious illness, you don't want that to flare up in china.

"If the Gleeson to China rumour is true then I would imagine Nielsen would probably take over from him at Perth."

The rumours of Gleeson moving on are certainly interesting. If he could win his 4th championship in 6 years, that's certainly a great resume for an Australian coach.

I'd be surprised. He's rebuilding the squad and has the chance to build another dynasty. But stranger things have happened.

I believe he has ambitions of coaching the Boomers. Would that be helped or hindered by taking an overseas role?

And would the Cats hand over to an assistant??

Is Bevo only looking at Sydney because he thins the Hawks are going to fold? If not, who takes over?
Surely not Hammertime?

I'd like to see Dennis get another shot at the NBL, but maybe Japan pays better?

"I'll give you 4 hints:
1. It's not Bevo
2. It's not a current or former Senior Coach
3. His replacement won't be named until after the finals, probably after the Grand Finals.
4. It's obvious."


OBVIOUSLY BOGUT IS THE NEW COACH !!!

Pretty sure JvG is gone.