Peter Lonergan one of Australia’s most respected basketball administrators will step into the newly created role of General Manager CoE and Performance Pathways in Canberra effective immediately.
Executive General Manager-High Performance Jason Smith announced the appointment earlier today.
“Our pathways are the key to our success and there is nobody more qualified than Peter to head up this critical part of our business.
"The global success of the CoE is a testament to the incredible work of the staff and the depth of talent coming through the pathways from our States and Territories.
"Peter has a unique skill set across coaching, officiating, athlete welfare and performance, he will elevate our pathways and take our programs to the next level,” said Smith.
Lonergan is excited by the growth of basketball and the number of exciting prospects coming through the pathways but is aware of the challenges basketball faces.
“The States and Territories provide athletes all over the country with tremendous pathways and opportunities.
"The CoE has continued to produce champions and with the quality of the athletes currently in the program we can safely say that we approach LA then Brisbane with confidence.
"Of course, there is always a caveat and for us it’s the global landscape, we are very aware of the growth in our sport in nearly every country which pushes the bar higher and higher.
"There is a greater focus on innovation, sports science, facilities and player welfare than ever before.
"My Everest for now is Brisbane 2032, our next batch of athletes through our pathways will be representing on home soil at an Olympics, that thought is never lost on me it’s a responsibility for us to continue to elevate and get on that podium.
"I’m passionate about basketball, always have been and always will be, it’s a huge part of my life and we all want the very best for our athletes on and off the court,” said Lonergan.
The Centre of Excellence (CEO) is based at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra and is recognised as one of the most successful elite programs with an alumni including Olympians Lauren Jackson, Patty Mills, Dante Exum, Penny Taylor, Matthew Dellavedova, Josh Giddey, Sandy Brondello, Trish Fallon and Andrew Bogut.
