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18 Facts About Sam Mackinnon

1.

Samuel Mackinnon was born on 25 August 1976 and is an Australian basketball coach and former player.

2.

Sam Mackinnon played in the National Basketball League between 1994 and 2010, where he won two NBL championships and was named the NBL Most Valuable Player in 2007.

3.

Sam Mackinnon currently serves as the head coach of the Taranaki Airs in the New Zealand National Basketball League.

4.

In 1993, Mackinnon debuted in the South East Australian Basketball League for the North East Melbourne Arrows.

5.

Sam Mackinnon helped the Magic win the NBL championship in the 1996 season and played in NBL grand finals in 1997 and 1998.

6.

In March 2005, Sam Mackinnon signed a three-year deal with the Brisbane Bullets.

7.

Sam Mackinnon was named NBL MVP, All-NBL First Team, and NBL Best Defensive Player.

8.

Sam Mackinnon needed treatment for blood clots in his lungs.

9.

In July 2008, Sam Mackinnon signed a three-year deal with the Melbourne Tigers.

10.

Sam Mackinnon was a regular member of the Australian Boomers between 1995 and 2007.

11.

Sam Mackinnon competed at the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games, and helped Australia win a gold medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

12.

On 30 July 2017, Sam Mackinnon returned to the Brisbane Bullets as an assistant coach.

13.

Sam Mackinnon remained as an assistant with the Bullets until 2020, when he moved into the front office.

14.

Sam Mackinnon handed over the interim coach reins to Greg Vanderjagt on 13 December 2022.

15.

In May 2023, Sam Mackinnon was appointed assistant coach of the South East Melbourne Phoenix for two seasons.

16.

In September 2023, Sam Mackinnon was appointed head coach of the Taranaki Airs in the New Zealand NBL ahead of the 2024 season.

17.

Sam Mackinnon returned to his role as an assistant following round six.

18.

Sam Mackinnon re-joined the Taranaki Airs as head coach for the 2025 season.