By ADEM SARICAOGLU
MICK Downie’s desire to coach Big V basketball is back.
After having the 2013 season off following a lengthy stint with State Championship outfit Werribee, Downie has signed on as the men’s coach of the Division Two championship Melton Thoroughbreds, replacing Sunbury-bound Grant Spencer.
“I’m really looking forward to the challenge,” Downie said.
“I’ve got the desire back to coach and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Downie admits it took a little convincing for him to take the gig, but said he was keen to jump on board once he learned he’d be working alongside new assistant, Julie McCallum.
“I won’t lie, I said no at the time,” Downie said.
“But Julie got in touch and said she’d be willing to come on as an assistant coach, and that was enough motivation for me.
“I’ve got the utmost respect for her and I think we’ll work really well and achieve something with the young group.
“They had a fantastic year last year, there’s no ifs and buts about that. But to keep up that standard and try to get ourselves in a position to win a championship next season, well that’s the big goal.”
Downie, who last week turned 60, hopes to bring a considerable wealth of experience into the Melton organisation.
“The main thing I hope to bring to the club is the experience that I’ve gained over the years in playing and coaching,” Downie said.
“My first coaching stint was when I was about 26 years of age – so it’s a fair history of coaching.”
The Thoroughbreds are expecting to take part in the Big V’s Division One competition next year and will do so with their biggest on-court weapon at their disposal after Division Two MVP Jeff Crowe re-signed with the club.
In preparation for the upcoming season, though, Downie won’t be looking to recruit too heavily.
“I want to see what I’ve got first and as I said to the committee, I won’t just bring in recruits for the sake of bringing in recruits,” Downie said.
“I want to try to build the club from within and use the local talent.
“If we have a specific weakness then I may look at recruiting, but recruiting’s not a priority in mind at the moment, that’s for sure.”
