36ers sign new Basketball Department

The Adelaide 36ers are pleased to announce the appointment of Mick Downer as Assistant Coach, Alf Connolly as Strength & Conditioning Coach, Mike Conway as Emotional Agility & Mind Coach, and Tristan Chai as Head of Medical.

Downer joins the 36ers with 20 years of coaching experience, his most recent role as General Manager and Head Coach at Hawke’s Bay Hawks in the New Zealand National Basketball League.

Mick also had NBL assistant coaching roles at Brisbane Bullets, Cairns Taipans and Perth Wildcats as well as experience with the Australian Boomers.

He will be joining the 36ers as Assistant Coach alongside Jamie Pearlman and Head Coach CJ Bruton.

Alf Connolly joins the 36ers as Strength & Conditioning Coach after years of experience in the fitness industry, most recently as Head Coach and owner of CrossFit 5000.

Mike Conway is the Founder and CEO of XVenture, a unique learning, leadership, and media group, and will join the 36ers in the brand-new role of Emotional Agility & Mind Coach.

Conway has global experience in the sports industry and has most recently been involved with the Australian Socceroos’ successful qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Chai has been with the club since 2017 as head physiotherapist and for the NBL23 season be promoted to the Head of Medical role.

With over a decade of experience in working with elite athletes, Chai holds a reputation for high-level injury management, problem solving and holistic care.

Adelaide 36ers head coach CJ Bruton said the additions of Downer, Conway, Connolly and Chai will add to the clubs’ approach to improve both on and off the court.

“Mick brings a wealth of knowledge and as a coaching group, we know the league well and now I’m excited to put it all together on the floor,” Bruton said.

“You also need a high-performance team and with Alf, Tristan and Mike coming on board, it makes us better in a lot of areas.”

Adelaide 36ers CEO Nic Barbato is excited for what Downer, Conway, Connolly and Chai can bring to the 36ers family.

“I’m thrilled to have Mick, Alf, Mike, and Tristan joining us ahead of the 2022-23 season,” Barbato said.

“They are each leaders in their respective fields, and I look forward to seeing all that they bring to our basketball department in the season to come.”

The club will continue to plan for the NBL23 season with further announcements to come soon.

Click HERE for the full NBL23 schedule.

NBL23 memberships are now available, please find more information here.