Basketball Australia appointment for Kings legend Smith

Basketball Australia announced on Wednesday the appointment of Sydney Kings legend Jason Smith to the position of executive general manager-high performance.

Following an international search in collaboration with the AIS, King #86 Smith was appointed to this key strategic role responsible for building and managing the pathways to develop young talent and drive the success of our national senior programs.

The global landscape of basketball is changing rapidly with new competitors emerging, sports science improvements, world-class facilities and funding all driving the nation's success.

Smith’s extensive background in basketball and business will be integral in navigating this complex landscape.

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Australia’s reputation in basketball resulted in a strong list of candidates both internationally and domestically.

“We knew this role would attract highly capable candidates with the unprecedented growth in basketball and Australia’s stellar record on the international stage,” said chief executive officer at Basketball Australia Matt Scriven.

“Jason’s commitment to our sport, his business acumen together with his basketball IQ was second to none.

"This is a pivotal role for our business as we navigate the changing global landscape to ensure we have the right pathways and programs to develop our next generation of players.

"We are delighted that he has accepted the role and will be at the helm as we head towards the Olympics later this year.”

Smith, who played 156 games and won six titles with the purple and gold, is a dual Olympian and former Boomers captain who played 413 NBL Games winning championships in 1996, 2004 and 2005. 

He was part of the gold medal-winning team at the 2006 Commonwealth Games and represented Australia 105 times including at the 2006 FIBA World Championships.

He worked in senior leadership positions at both the Commonwealth Bank and Domo a data integration and analytics business.

“I’ve stayed involved in basketball through my role managing the Boomers and coaching, ensuring athletes have what they need to succeed is what drives me," said Smith, who averaged 15.1 points, 5.1 and 2.7 triples per game during his time at the harbour city club.

"This role is challenging as we are playing in such a competitive environment, keeping the pathways healthy and ensuring we are at the forefront of innovation is going to be the key to sustained success.

“I would like to personally thank Jan Stirling who laid the foundations for our national teams to continue to have success in this rapidly changing environment."

Smith has commenced in his role and is currently in Brazil with the Opals, headlined by Sydney Flames' Tess Madgen and Cayla George, as they compete for an Olympics spot - alongside former Flame Trish Fallon, who is the Opals' team lead.