Dean Vickerman

Dean Vickerman's Biography

Dean Vickerman is an Australian professional basketball coach and former player who is the head coach of Melbourne United of the National Basketball League (NBL). Dean played for the Melbourne Tigers of the NBL from 1990 to 1992.

In 2013, he became head coach of the New Zealand Breakers. In 2014–15, he guided the Breakers to their fourth NBL championship in five years. In March 2017, Vickerman was appointed head coach of Melbourne United for two seasons. In March 2018, he guided Melbourne to the NBL championship. In June 2021, he guided Melbourne to another NBL championship (Dean’s 3rd NBL Championship as a Head Coach).

Having grown up in Warragul, Dean began his basketball career on-court with Dandenong before moving onto NBL with the Melbourne Tigers. Discovering his passion for coaching, Dean would first work for Basketball Victoria as a Development Officer and then as Coaching Director with Geelong.

Between 1997 and 2001, Dean served as the Assistant Coach for the North Melbourne Giants, Head Coach of Rockhampton Rockets, and Assistant Coach of the Sydney Panthers. He was also the Head Coach of the Wellington Saints in 2002, and guided Melbourne University to their big victory title in 2004 as Head Coach.

Globally, he has also brought his coaching experience to many international teams, including the Singapore Slingers, the New Zealand Breakers, and the Waikato Pistons. He would be recognised for his coaching work with a “Coach of the Year” honours in 2009 and 2011.

For his work with the NBL, he was awarded consecutive NBL Coach of the Year in 2018 & 2019, making him one of Australia’s most successful coaches.

With years of coaching experience in basketball, Dean is a wonderful speaker with plenty of practical strategies to succeed in life.

Speaking Topics Include

Leadership within a team environment

Building High Performing Teams

Developing a Winning Culture