Brett Brown, NBA coach, becomes a VIBF Patron

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The Virtus International Basketball Federation (VIBF) is proud to have Brett Brown one of the NBA’s most elite experienced coaches as a Patron of our organisation.

Brett has coached in the prestigious league for over 20 years and been the leader of some of the world’s best basketball athletes. His long and successful connection to the game in pro leagues and international competition has enhanced the respect and regard in which he is held.

A star player at South Portland High School, coached by his astute father, he then headed to Coach Rick Pitino’s Boston University team where he was captain. Post his college career his appetite for coaching was relentless.

Brett ventured to Australia in 1988 taking up an assistant coaches’ role before securing Head Coach of the North Melbourne Giants in 1993. The Giants won Australia’s NBL title in 1994 and Brett was named Coach of the Year. The Australian National Men’s Team (the Boomers) acquired his services as an Assistant Coach from 1995 to 2003 and he became the Boomers Head Coach at the 2012 London Olympic Games. During that time, Brett had been an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA since 2007.

Brett has shown a level resilience during his coaching journey but equally a depth of passion and desire to holistically develop the people that he leads. When he took up the role as Head Coach of the Philadelphia 76ers he was resolute in making sure the franchise gave back to their community. This was authentically demonstrated when he introduced an annual event, “Bounce Out the Stigma Clinic” a basketball clinic for kids with autism.

Brett “knows” what it means for basketball players to be provided support and encouragement whilst exploring their own potential and what they are capable of, even if they have an intellectual impairment. Representing their nation in international competition is the highest achievement any basketball player can aspire to.

Brett is the proud father of a daughter (Julia) who has a developmental impairment who has successfully navigated her life’s journey. The café where Julia works enables people with an impairment the opportunity to deliver a service to the community and have meaningful employment. Brett is extremely proud of the fact that Julia has paid employment which makes her feel happy that she is a productive member of society.

Brett is extremely supportive of the VIBF’s mandate and the positive focus it can create and deliver for athletes with an intellectual impairment and as Patron, the VIBF remain grateful and appreciative of his acceptance as our Patron.