Luke Brennan Joins Phoenix as Assistant Coach

South East Melbourne Phoenix have shored up their coaching department by signing Luke Brennan as an assistant coach for the next two years.

Brennan brings a wealth of experience to the team, having spent the last five seasons with the Perth Wildcats, where he worked alongside new head coach Mike Kelly.

Brennan expressed his excitement about joining the Phoenix, stating that it was a "no-brainer" when Kelly offered him the opportunity.

“To be in the Heartland of Basketball, with a franchise like the Phoenix is very exciting and I’m looking forward to getting to work,” commented Brennan.

(Luke Brennan joins the Phoenix as an assistant coach for the next two years.)

During his time with the Wildcats, Brennan initially served as a pathways and development coach in 2019 before being promoted to assistant coach in 2021. Brennan credits the people he worked with in Perth for his growth as a coach and emphasises the importance of hard work and attention to detail in achieving success.

“During my time at the Wildcats, I was lucky enough to be around guys that have won a lot of championships. The thing that I have learnt throughout my time there is that you can’t cheat the process,” said Brennan.

“To be successful you need to put in the work first, and it’s the little details that matter. If you get the ‘day-to-day’ right, then you give yourself a chance when the bright lights are on.

“I was lucky enough to see a few games at the State Basketball Centre during my time at the Wildcats, and that place has a great energy around it. I can’t wait for that first game in the Heartland,” he added.

Prior to his tenure with the Wildcats, Brennan also worked as a coach for various national teams at Basketball Australia, and more recently, served as the head coach for the NBL1 team Warwick Senators in 2022.

(Brennan is excited to reunite with Mike Kelly after both being assistant coaches at Perth Wildcats last season.)

Phoenix head coach Mike Kelly expressed his enthusiasm for having Brennan on his staff for the upcoming NBL24 season.

“Luke Brennan is a highly experienced NBL coach with exceptional teaching skills. He has great ability to connect with players and will be an excellent addition to the Phoenix team,” Kelly said.

Luke Brennan joins Sam Mackinnon as an assistant coach under Mike Kelly's leadership in his first season as head coach of the Phoenix.

Stay tuned to the Phoenix's social media channels and website for more updates during the off-season.

Phoenix Media (30/05/23)