The Pakenham Warriors’ Big V coaching panel for the 2026 season is set.
Returning in their roles from last season includes Elli Gibson for the Championship Women and Braden Venning for the Youth League Men, both Coach of the Year winners in their respective divisions.
For the Championship Men, Aron Pantano will step in as the new head coach, taking over from interim Luke Curry.
Pantano brings a wealth of experience in coaching including time in the Queensland Basketball League (now NBL1 North) and the Big V.
Most recently, he was the head coach of Warrandyte in the Division One Men for the past two seasons after being an assistant in 2023.
In 2025, Pantono led the Venom into the finals for the first time in years, in which his side made an unlikely run to the grand final from fourth position before coming up short in the big dance.
The impressive season saw him be recognised as a finalist for the Division One Men Coach of the Year award.
Tim Morgan comes in as the new voice for the Youth League Women, filling the void left behind after Dave Barry’s lone season at the helm.
Morgan is a respected character around the Pakenham Basketball Association with his work in women’s basketball pathways a huge factor in the appointment.
He currently serves as the club’s Girls Director of Coaching and has previous experience coaching the Women’s CBL side.
Both youth sides will compete in February’s qualification series with a chance that every Pakenham outfit could be at the Championship level in 2026, making it the only club to do so.
The Women will look to avoid relegation after a tough debut season in the top flight whereas the Men seek promotion following their Division One championship.
“To be able to go again and have another crack to achieve what we’ve been pushing for is awesome,” Venning said after his re-appointment.
“To have the chance for all four teams to be in Champ this year is huge.
“It’ll be something we can really hang our hats on because it’s taken a bit.
“It’s something pretty special and something that everyone that’s been a part of the program can take some confidence out of.”
