Mick Downer

"Tasting Gold"

I was recently having a chat with some coaches regarding “boring coach stuff” and we inevitably got onto to stories about past successes and teams and individuals we had coached. My experiences at the 2004 U20 Nationals with the QLD Men’s team became a topic. I was assistant coach to NBL legend and colourful personality Bruce Palmer. Bruce lead a team of QLD kids that won the first Gold Medal in many, many years at the U20 level.

Some of the names in the teams included Nathan Jawaii – NBA Draftee and Toronto Raptor player, Stephen Weigh – Perth Wildcats NBL and formerly University of Utah NCAA Div 1 player, Aron Baynes – AIS Graduate and Senior at Washington State University, Kerry Williams – Cairns Taipans NBL, Rhys Martin – Wollongong Hawks NBL and Michael Cedar – Townsville Crocs NBL. read more...

The strength of the wolf is in the pack