As far as signings go in world basketball they don’t come much bigger than Olaf Lange, who has signed on to coach the BDS Logan Thunder in the 2010/11 WNBL season.
With extensive coaching experience in Europe, including heading up the German Women’s National team, and winning EuroLeague Championships, Lange’s signing sets in motion the pathway towards a playoffs berth in the near future, possibly next season, for the young club.
Lange is currently Associate Head Coach with the San Antonio Silver Stars WNBA team, along with his Mackay born wife, Opals legend Sandy Brondello, who is the Head Coach.
“I’m looking forward to heading down to coach the Thunder. It’s exciting. The club has a lot of potential.” Lange said.
Brondello, who has won three Olympic medals with the Australian Opals and played in over 300 International games, will join Lange after her stint as Head Coach of San Antonio in the upcoming 2010 WNBA season.
BDS Thunder General Manager Mark Dalton said the signing of Lange would help the club take the next step toward a playoff berth in the near future. “Olaf brings the experience and the credentials to help us move forward as a club” he said. “We have learned a lot over the past two seasons in the WNBL, and we believe this appointment will help us compete with the top teams”.
2009/10 BDS Thunder Head Coach Jason Chainey will assume an assistant coaching role alongside Lange. He will be the “man on the ground” here in Australia whilst Lange finishes his duties with San Antonio in the U.S. “It’s great for the club. I am looking forward to working with Olaf and have no doubt this is going to help the team”. Chainey said.
