The Brisbane Bullets are on the search for a new full-time head coach after sacking Stu Lash earlier this month, but his long-term replacement might already be waiting in the wings.
On Tuesday night, interim coach Darryl McDonald made a passionate plea to ownership at his press conference following the Bullets' 70-95 loss to the Sydney Kings.
While Bullets' ownership search far and wide for a full-time candidate, McDonald believes he is the man for the job.
“They don’t need a coach. I’m right here, man,” McDonald said.
MORE: Ben Simmons provides update on potential NBA comeback
“They don’t need to go get nobody else. We keep bringing coaches from the States and doing all that. Stop doing that. It hasn’t worked, man... You’ve got a coach. I’m right here. I know what it takes to win in this league. I’ve won in this league as a player and as an assistant coach.
“If you feel the need that you have to go get somebody, okay, understandable. But the club needs stability. That’s the one thing we haven’t had, no stability, no continuity. It’s over and over and over again.”
McDonald also offered insight into his conversations - or the lack thereof - with Bullets owner Jason Levien.
“I haven’t spoken to Jason, I’m trying to, honestly, trying to get on the call with him. It’s a tough situation," he said.
“I called Mal [Watts] the other day and I said, ‘What’s going on?’ And he said, ‘Well, there’s a contract on the table for a guy in the States. If he takes it, it won’t be till next year.'"
Since McDonald took over as coach of Brisbane, the Bullets are 1-4. They currently sit second-last on the NBL ladder with a record of 6-16.