Mackinnon’s heartfelt farewell

Outgoing Brisbane General Manager of Basketball, Sam Mackinnon, has issued a touching farewell to his friends and now former colleagues after he and the club parted ways earlier this week.

Mackinnon’s Statement:
I leave the Brisbane Bullets with a heavy heart but also take great solace in the fact I was able to make many lifelong friends and memories that I will cherish forever. 

The Brisbane Bullets were more than just a basketball club to me - they were my second family for the past six years, and I will be forever grateful to Andrej and Richard for their initial invitation and to everyone I worked with over the journey and the amazing experiences we shared along the way.

Throughout my 30 years in basketball, some of my fondest times have been with the Bullets, because of the great people we had there. 

Firstly, I wish to sincerely thank the brilliant front office staff and volunteers for all their hard work, and for the level of care they always showed no matter the circumstances or the scoreboard. We’ve been through so many ups and downs together and I will always look back fondly at our time. Your passion and professionalism for the club made my job so much easier, so thank you.

The fans, what can I say, your unrelenting passion for the Bullets first struck me when I had the opportunity to wear the blue-and-gold jersey in my playing career. Captaining the championship team of 2006-2007 is one of the highlights of my career and I wanted so badly to do that as a GM. Unfortunately, this past season was a rollercoaster and while we were unable to achieve what we’d set out to, you turned out in droves and did what you do best – got behind the team to the best of your ability. I cannot speak highly enough of the support you’ve given this organisation and you deserve nothing but a championship in the near future.

To the players: I wish you all nothing but success for the future whether it be at Brisbane, or elsewhere. It was always an absolute joy working closely with you all and watching you grow and develop, not only into great players, but great men.

The coaches and support staff, what a ride. You were all in it for the long haul and I thank you for your unconditional commitment and dedication to making this an environment for our athletes to be their best versions of themselves.

I’ve worn many hats at the club, they include player, advisory board member, assistant coach, GM of Basketball - and albeit for a short time - interim head coach. All have been largely a great experience that enabled me to stay involved in the game that I love. It's been an honour to work for one of the NBL's foundation clubs that has such a rich history and I wish Justin and the coaching staff all the best for future years.

Basketball has given me so much and I want to thank all the people throughout the basketball community who have reached out to me and offered their support and kind words in the past day or so. While I haven’t been able to reply to everyone just yet, I aim to do so in the coming days – so please know I got your message and I am grateful.

As for the future, I’m truly excited for what’s next. 
#TTHS