Adelaide 36ers appoint Trevor Gleeson as Head Coach

The Adelaide 36ers have today announced the appointment of Trevor Gleeson as the club’s new Head Coach, bringing one of Australian basketball’s most accomplished coaches to South Australia for the next three seasons.

Gleeson is a proven championship winner, having led the Perth Wildcats to five NBL championships (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2020) and earning NBL Coach of the Year honours in 2011 and 2021. He has since gathered NBA experience as an assistant coach with the Toronto Raptors and Milwaukee Bucks, strengthening his coaching credentials at the highest level.

During his 14-year stint in the NBL, Gleeson also coached Townsville and the Melbourne Tigers. He ranks sixth for total games coached in the competition and boasts a winning percentage of 59.6% from his 460 games.

Gleeson’s CV also includes stints as an assistant coach with the Brisbane Bullets and the Australian national team, the Boomers.

Most recently, he has spent two seasons in charge of Japanese B League outfit the Chiba Jets, guiding them to the playoffs in each campaign for an overall 89-41 (68.5%) record.

Gleeson said he was excited to embark on a new challenge and remained motivated to win a sixth NBL title.

“I've been watching from afar and with the team and where it's headed, it's an exciting time,” he said of the 36ers’ roster.

“Adelaide's vision for the future and what is it was looking for in a Head Coach really aligned with my principles and my experience.

“I'm excited and I am looking forward to the challenge of building the 36ers into a Championship team.

“Obviously, I've got strong ties with Bryce Cotton, so that's always incentive to have arguably the best player in NBL history.”

Adelaide 36ers Executive Chairman Grant Kelley said the club was thrilled to secure a coach with Gleeson’s pedigree and track record of success.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Trevor to the Adelaide 36ers,” Mr Kelley said.

“Trevor is a coach of the highest calibre. He is a proven winner, an outstanding leader, and someone who understands what it takes to build a championship program.

“His record speaks for itself - sustained success, multiple titles, and an ability to get the very best out of players and staff.

“This is an important appointment at a time when we have a roster built for success. We believe he is the right person to lead our basketball program and drive the standards and culture required to compete for championships year after year.”

Gleeson will commence with the club next month, with a focus on finalising the club’s playing roster and pre-season preparation.