SOUTH-West Victoria is a long way from the bright lights of the NBA but for Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown it’s the ideal spot for a holiday.
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The former Australian Boomers leader, who is staying in Port Fairy with his family, ran a coaching seminar Warrnambool Basketball Stadium yesterday, giving mentors from across the country an insight into top-level basketball.
Warrnambool Seahawks head coach Bobby Cunningham, his assistant Craig McLeod and veteran forward Tim Gainey were among the 40-odd coaches who made the most of the unique opportunity.
Three coaches drove from Sydney for the session and mentors from Adelaide also made the trip to the Arc to hear from Brown and Melbourne United coach Chris Anstey.
“If I can combine family time, do some fishing and still spend time with hoops, I feel like this is the perfect holiday for me,” Brown said. “I appreciate being here. I haven’t forgotten what my roots are in many ways and happy to share as much as I can in many ways.”
Brown spent 17 years in Australia and took North Melbourne Giants to the 1994 NBL championship.
He is preparing for his second season at the helm of the rebuilding 76ers after 13 years as an assistant coach at San Antonio Spurs.
The Maine native said the chance to spend time in Australia was something he cherished.
“I married an Australian from Macarthur, Victoria. I come to Port Fairy as much as I can any time I come to Australia,” Brown said. “I am blown away by how beautiful this part of the world is.”