Bullets Part Ways With Mackinnon

Brisbane Bullets General Manager of Basketball Sam Mackinnon will not be returning to the position ahead of NBL24, with a thorough review of the club’s operations making the position redundant.

Mackinnon took charge of the team as interim head coach for four games – winning one - following the departure of James Duncan as head coach.

Assistant Greg Vanderjagt then took over the role for the remainder of the season.

"Sam has had a long and distinguished career in the league and he brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Bullets when he joined back in 2017," Bullets Senior Basketball Advisor Stu Lash said.

"There's no hiding the fact we didn't achieve what we set out to achieve this season, and we owe it to our incredible fans to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of sustained success for this great club.

"We are extremely pleased with the recent appointment of new head coach Justin Schueller ... [and] we are equally excited to announce Greg Vanderjagt as our assistant coach for next season and beyond.

"We want to sincerely thank Sam for all his efforts and wish him great success."

Mackinnon’s playing career saw him play for five teams in the NBL over 14 years.

He was named as the competition’s Rookie of the Year in 1994, before winning a championship with the South East Melbourne Magic in 1996.

He took home a championship, MVP, Grand Final MVP and Defensive Player of the Year honours in 2007, as a part of Brisbane’s most recent championship winning side.