NBL Champ Eyes Coaching Role

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

2018 Champion and All-NBL First Team member confirms his interest in a coaching stint.

Former Melbourne United and Illawarra Hawks star Josh Boone is looking for a familiar home to get a start on a professional coaching career.

Boone, a 2018 NBL champion and All-NBL First Team member, has retired from playing but wants to stay involved with basketball, eyeing the coaching ranks for his next move.

“I loved my time both in Melbourne and in Wollongong. To get back to that league, it continues to get better and better - and to be a part of it – that would be something special for me,” Boone told NBL Media.

“I would love to; I’ve had talks with some people. It hasn’t worked out yet but I would certainly love to be back in Australia.”

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Boone first appeared in the NBL when he signed with United in 2016, and later won the championship in 2018. He joined the Hawks for the 2019-20 season.

The 38-year-old retired from his playing career last year due to knee issues, and arrived at the 2023 NBA Summer League to pursue conversations on coaching professionally.

Boone emphasised the growth of the NBL and the ongoing rise in becoming a breeding ground for the NBA.

“It just keeps getting better and better, I know that relationship with the NBA just keeps strengthening," he said.

“You’re getting more and more Next Stars over, getting more and more guys drafted.

“I know there’s a bunch of guys here playing for Summer League teams that have been in the NBL through Next Stars or the import program, or even some of the local players as well.

“The league continues to get better and better, I’m hoping to continue to stay a part of it.”