Left: Dandenong Rangers coach Gary Fox is aiming for a triplet of trophies this season.By Glen Atwell
DANDENONG Rangers head coach Gary Fox’s quest to complete the ‘three-peat’ of championships begins this Saturday night at Dandenong Basketball Stadium.
Fox is ready to return to the court with his star-studded team in his fourth season in the top job.
“I can’t wait. I’d love to win another, but it will definitely be a challenge,” he said.
Fox’s Rangers play the Sydney Flames in a replay of last season’s Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) grand final at Dandenong Basketball Stadium.
After unfurling the Rangers’ premiership flag, all eyes will turn to the court for the 7.30pm tip-off.
Fox led the Rangers to back-to-back championships last season, his talented side beating the Flames by five points in the final thrilling game.
He sports an impressive coaching record since taking up the coaching position at Dandenong, with 51 wins and just 16 losses.
Fox has coached the Rangers to championships in the past two seasons, but said there was no real secret to completing the triplet of trophies.
“My philosophy is that if all the players reach their full potential, then the results will take care of themselves,” he said.
Fox said the Rangers had what it took to make it three in a row, but admitted it wouldn’t be easy.
“At the moment, with the injuries, we’re just trying to get healthy and onto the court,” he said.
Fox said injured guard Jessica Bibby will miss several games with a back problem.
“Jessica probably overdid it at some stage in training. She will most likely be back around December,” he said.
Fox has previously coached in the National Basketball League (NBL), including three years with Adelaide 36ers (1987-89) and a season with the South Melbourne Saints in 1993.
The experienced coach is expecting a fiery encounter with the Flames, who will be looking to avenge last season’s loss on Saturday night.
But Fox said with the community behind the Rangers, the sky was the limit.
“The locals have been sensational. we are the team of the south east and everyone is behind us,” he said.
“To see the support is great.”
Fox said when the Rangers competed at the World Club Championships in Russia earlier this year, it was surreal to see the Dandenong singlet against the other names.
“You see Brazil and then Dandenong – it shows how well supported we are,” he said.
