Who is Australian Boomers coach Adam Caporn

• Australian Adam Caporn has built an impressive coaching career from NBL player to NBA assistant
• The West Australian native  joined the Washington Wizards coaching staff after stints with the Brooklyn Nets
• Caporn's journey showcases the growing Australian influence in international basketball coaching ranks

Adam Caporn, the 43-year-old basketball coach from Baldivis, Western Australia, is the new Australian Boomers head coach.

“I am deeply grateful to Basketball Australia for their trust in me and to the entire Australian basketball community for the invaluable experiences and opportunities I’ve had, from grassroots development to the Olympic stage," Capcorn said of his appointment.

He joined the Washington Wizards in the NBA as an assistant coach in July 2024, continuing his outstanding journey in basketball's elite coaching circles.

Caporn's path to the NBA coaching ranks represents a significant achievement for Australian basketball, demonstrating how the Australia's influence continues to grow within the global game.

Starting as a player in Australia's NBL before transitioning to coaching, his career showcases the development pathway available to Australian basketball talent.

From Player to Coach: Caporn's Basketball Journey

Born on 16 March 1982 in Baldivis, Western Australia, Caporn's elite basketball playing career began at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in 2000. Standing 190cm and weighing 84kg during his playing days, he developed his skills before heading to the United States to play college basketball at Saint Mary's College of California from 2001 to 2003.

After his collegiate experience, Caporn returned to Australia to begin his professional playing career in the NBL.

He spent three seasons with the Wollongong Hawks from 2003 to 2006 before returning to his home state to join the Perth Wildcats.

Caporn's playing career with the Wildcats was not without challenges. In December of the 2006-07 season, he suffered a serious knee injury requiring surgery that sidelined him for the remainder of that campaign. Despite this setback, the Wildcats showed their faith in his abilities by re-signing him to a two-year deal in April 2007.

Building Coaching Credentials

While still an active player with the Perth Wildcats, Caporn began his coaching as a part-time assistant with the Willetton Tigers in Western Australia's State Basketball League in 2007. This early coaching experience laid the foundation for what would become his primary career path.

After retiring as a player in 2009, Caporn took his first head coaching position with the East Perth Eagles in the State League. His coaching abilities quickly gained recognition, leading to a role as a Scholarship Coach at the Australian Institute of Sport, where he was responsible for evaluating prospects and player development.

Caporn's connection to Saint Mary's College remained strong, and in 2010, he returned to his alma mater as an assistant coach. This position allowed him to develop his coaching philosophy while working in the competitive environment of American college basketball.

Breaking Through to the NBA

Caporn's big break came in 2021 when he was named head coach of the Long Island Nets in the NBA G League — the development team for the Brooklyn Nets. This opportunity represented a significant step forward in his coaching career, placing him in charge of developing players for the NBA level.

His success with the Long Island Nets led to a promotion on July 6, 2022, when he joined the Brooklyn Nets as an assistant coach. This achievement made him part of an exclusive group of Australian coaches to work at the NBA level.

After two seasons with the Brooklyn Nets, Caporn continued his upward trajectory by accepting an assistant coaching position with the Washington Wizards on July 10, 2024. This move further solidified his standing in NBA coaching circles and highlighted the growing respect for Australian basketball expertise.

Australian Influence in Global Basketball

Caporn's success reflects the broader impact Australians are having on basketball worldwide. From players such as Patty Mills, Joe Ingles, and Josh Giddey to coaches such as Caporn, Australians are increasingly making their mark on the international stage.

The pathway Caporn has pioneered — from Australian junior programs to the NBL to international coaching roles — provides a blueprint for future Australian coaches hoping to work at basketball's highest levels.

As one of the few Australian coaches to reach the NBA level, Caporn serves as inspiration for the next generation of Australian basketball minds. His experience demonstrates that with the right combination of knowledge, networking, and dedication, Australian coaches can compete for positions at the sport's highest level.

Adam Capcorn's Resume

As player:
2003–2006: Wollongong Hawks
2006–2009: Perth Wildcats
As coach:
2010–2014: Saint Mary's (assistant)
2014–2021: Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence (assistant)
2021–2022: Long Island Nets
2022–2024: Brooklyn Nets (assistant)
2024–now: Washington Wizards (assistant)
2025-now: Australian Boomers head coach