Adam Forde

Last updated

Adam Forde
Adam Forde Wildcats 2017 (cropped).jpg
Forde with the Perth Wildcats in 2017
Cairns Taipans
PositionHead coach
League NBL
Personal information
Born (1982-01-11) 11 January 1982 (age 44)
NationalityAustralian
Career information
Playing career2003–2003
Coaching career2010–present
Career history
Playing
2003 Norths Bears
Coaching
2010 Rockingham Flames
2011 East Perth Eagles (assistant)
2011–2012 West Coast Waves (assistant)
2012–2015East Perth Eagles
2013–2019 Perth Wildcats (assistant)
2019East Perth Eagles
2019–2020 Sydney Kings (assistant)
2020–2021Sydney Kings
2021 Hawke's Bay Hawks
2021–present Cairns Taipans
Career highlights
As head coach:

As assistant coach:

Medals
Men's 3x3 basketball
Representing Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia
Asia Cup
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2025 Singapore Team
Champions Cup
Bronze medal icon (B initial).svg 2025 Thailand Team

Adam Forde (born 11 January 1982) is an Australian professional basketball coach who is the head coach of the Cairns Taipans of the National Basketball League (NBL). He is also head coach of the Australia Men's 3x3 Gangurrus. Between 2013 and 2019, Forde was an assistant coach with the Perth Wildcats of the NBL and won four NBL championships. After a season as an assistant coach with the Sydney Kings in 2019–20, he served as their head coach during the 2020–21 season. He was appointed head coach of the Cairns Taipans in 2021, and in 2023 he was named the NBL Coach of the Year.

Contents

Forde has also coached in the State Basketball League (SBL), most notably guiding the East Perth Eagles men's team to their maiden championship in 2014. He also spent a season as a West Coast Waves assistant in the WNBL and briefly coached the Hawke's Bay Hawks of the New Zealand NBL in 2021.

Early life

Originally from Perth, Western Australia, Forde attended college at Jamestown Community College in New York between 2001 and 2003. [1] [2] In 2003, he played semi-professionally in the Waratah League for the Norths Bears. [3]

Coaching career

NBL

Forde arrived at the Perth Wildcats in 2011 as an unpaid video tech but was continually promoted during his eight-year tenure. [4] After a stint as a development coach, Forde was appointed the Wildcats' technical assistant on 1 August 2013. [5] [6] [7] He became a full-time assistant in 2015. [8] Under head coach Trevor Gleeson, [4] Forde won four NBL championships in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2019. [8]

In May 2019, Forde was appointed assistant coach of the Sydney Kings. [9] He helped head coach Will Weaver guide the Kings in 2019–20 to the minor premiership and their first NBL Grand Final appearance since 2008. [10] Sydney were defeated 2–1 in a COVID-impacted grand final series against Perth. [4]

On 4 December 2020, following Weaver's departure, [11] Forde was appointed head coach of the Kings for the 2020–21 NBL season. [10] In his first season as an NBL head coach, he guided the Kings to a fifth-place finish in another COVID-impacted season with a 19–17 record, just missing a top 4 finals berth on points percentage. [12] He parted ways with the Kings following the season. [13]

On 29 June 2021, Forde was appointed head coach of the Cairns Taipans on a two-year deal. [14] In 2022–23, Forde guided the Taipans to their second best regular season record in franchise history and was awarded NBL Coach of the Year. [15] [16] They would later lose in the semi-final to eventual champions Sydney Kings in the final deciding 3 game series. [17] He then spent time with the San Antonio Spurs during the 2023 NBA Summer League. [18]

On 3 March 2023, Forde re-signed with the Taipans on a two-year deal. [19] The Taipans lost key personnel during free agency to the higher spend clubs, most notably All NBL 2nd Team players Keanu Pinder to Perth Wildcats, and D.J. Hogg to Sydney Kings. [20] The Taipans failed to make playoffs in 2023–24 by one game. Then after a second consecutive season of failing to make playoffs and with only 8 wins from 29 games, Forde initially parted ways following the conclusion of the 2024–25 NBL season. [21]

In May 2025, reports emerged that the Taipans were engaged in advanced talks with potential private ownership. [22] A shift away from the not-for-profit, community owned model that had long positioned the club as the league's lowest spending franchise. [23] [24] [25] Forde then would later re-sign to remain as head coach on 13 June 2025 until the foreseeable future. [26] He then spent time with the Utah Jazz during the Salt Lake City Summer League. [27]

There was much optimism for the 2025–26 NBL season with the signing of 2024 Olympian Jack McVeigh, as well as potential ownership on the horizon. [28] However, the Taipans again struggled with injuries rarely suiting up a fully fit squad. [29] Still without ownership and no major changes made to the roster to cover the lose of Sam Waardenburg, Reyne Smith and Alex Higgins-Titsha who all spent extended time sidelined with season ending injuries, the Taipans finished the season with 9 wins and 24 loses. [30]

SBL

In 2010, Forde served as head coach of the Rockingham Flames men's team in the State Basketball League (SBL). [31] In 2011, he joined the East Perth Eagles and served as an assistant coach for both the men's and women's teams. [32]

For the 2012 season, Forde was appointed head coach of the East Perth Eagles men's team. [33] He helped guide the Eagles to the SBL Grand Final, where they were defeated 105–72 by the Cockburn Cougars. [34] Following a semi-final defeat in 2013, the Eagles returned to the SBL Grand Final in 2014. [35] Forde helped guide the Eagles to their maiden championship with a 99–83 win over the Geraldton Buccaneers. [36] He stepped down as coach of the Eagles midway through the 2015 season. [37] [38]

Forde returned to coach the Eagles in 2019. [8] [39]

WNBL

For the 2011–12 WNBL season, Forde served as an assistant coach with the West Coast Waves. [40] [41]

New Zealand NBL

In July 2020, Forde was appointed head coach of the Hawke's Bay Hawks for the 2021 New Zealand NBL season. [1] [2] He split the role in 2021 with Jacob Chance, a fellow assistant with Forde during his time at the Perth Wildcats. [42] [43] [44] [45]

World University Games

In 2019, Forde served as the lead assistant coach under Rob Beveridge with the Australian Emerging Boomers, helping the team win bronze at the World University Games in Naples, Italy. [1] [46]

National 3x3 team

On 10 March 2025, Forde was appointed interim head coach of the Australia Men's 3x3 Gangurrus. [47] He helped the team win gold at the 3x3 Asia Cup and bronze at the inaugural 3x3 Champions Cup. [26] He continued as head coach for the 2025 FIBA 3x3 World Cup in Mongolia. [48]

On 4 February 2026, it was announced that Forde would continue his commitments into 2026 including the 2026 Commonwealth Games. [49]

Coaching profile

Forde’s coaching identity as a "players' coach" and reputation have primarily revolved around his history in talent identification and player development. It can be found reported as far back as 2012 that Forde prioritised youth development. [50] With the Taipans being the lowest spending club in the NBL, and in some cases 45% less than the larger city clubs, [51] 'The Factory' moniker was adopted by Forde and the Taipans due to their focus on recruiting and upskilling rookies and undervalued players. [52] [53] Most notably was back-to-back NBL Most Improved Player Award winner Keanu Pinder in 2022 and 2023 – the first time this has been achieved in league history. Bobi Klintman and Taran Armstrong were signed to the NBA, while the discovery of Alex Higgins-Titsha led to his first NBL contract and a training camp call-up with the Golden State Warriors less than 12 months later. [54] [55]

It is perhaps best described by Australian sports broadcaster Peter Hooley who stated in an ESPN interview, "they are a small market team, that doesn't have the money to spend like some of the major city teams and it's his game style and culture that will have them be competitive regardless. I think of it as a 'Moneyball' situation for the Taipans, where Forde uses the budget he has to find a group of young players who are hungry to succeed or are desperate for a second chance. He's a true players coach and seems to have got the best out of most of his players in a short amount of time." [56]

Personal life

Forde and his wife, Kylie, have a son. [1] [57] [58]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "HAWKS SIGN COACH ADAM FORDE FOR 2021". nznbl.basketball. 28 July 2020. Archived from the original on 16 January 2021. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  2. 1 2 "Basketball: New Hawks coach brings winning record to the Bay". nzherald.co.nz. 27 July 2020. Archived from the original on 29 June 2021.
  3. ↑ "Player statistics for Adam Forde". SportsTG.com. Archived from the original on 29 June 2021.
  4. 1 2 3 Garlepp, Josh (4 December 2020). "Former Perth Wildcats assistant coach Adam Forde named Sydney Kings head coach". PerthNow.com.au. Retrieved 30 June 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  5. ↑ "Adam Forde named technical assistant coach". Wildcats.com.au. 1 August 2013. Archived from the original on 19 August 2013. Retrieved 30 June 2021.
  6. ↑ Hope, Shayne (1 August 2013). "Forde shifts into new role at Wildcats". TheWest.com.au. Retrieved 30 June 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  7. ↑ Peden, Lauren (30 July 2013). "Basketball: East Perth Eagles coach Adam Forde eyes finals". PerthNow.com.au. Eastern Reporter. Retrieved 30 June 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  8. 1 2 3 "FORDE BACK AT EAGLES WITH NEW COACHING PHILOSOPHY". SBL.asn.au. 6 April 2019. Archived from the original on 29 June 2021.
  9. ↑ "The Sydney Kings & new head coach Will Weaver have added former Wildcats assistant, Adam Forde to their #NBL20 coaching staff". facebook.com/TheNBL. 17 May 2019. Retrieved 30 June 2021.
  10. 1 2 "Sydney Appoint Adam Forde as Head Coach". NBL.com.au. 4 December 2020. Retrieved 30 June 2021.
  11. ↑ Rugari, Vince (6 November 2020). "Sydney Kings coach gets green light to chase NBA gig with Thunder". SMH.com.au. Archived from the original on 6 November 2020. Retrieved 30 June 2021. While Weaver is away, the Kings will be guided through their pre-season preparations by assistant coaches Adam Forde and James Duncan.
  12. ↑ "Kings close out regular season with a bang". SydneyKings.com. 6 June 2021. Retrieved 30 June 2021. 9,267 fans roared themselves hoarse as the Kings withstood a late Brisbane run to finish with three straight wins to close the season and a 19-17 record in what was Head Coach Adam Forde's final game with the organisation.
  13. ↑ "Kings and Adam Forde Agree to Part Ways at Season's End". NBL.com.au. 15 May 2021. Retrieved 30 June 2021.
  14. ↑ "Taipans announce Head Coach Adam Forde". Taipans.com. 29 June 2021. Retrieved 30 June 2021.
  15. ↑ "Xavier Cooks Wins MVP Honours". NBL.com.au. 7 February 2023. Archived from the original on 7 February 2023. Retrieved 7 February 2023.
  16. ↑ "Taipans takeover NBL Awards". taipans.com. 7 February 2023. Retrieved 7 February 2023.
  17. ↑ "Taipans' fairytale finals run ends in loss to the Kings" . Cairns Post. 18 February 2023. Retrieved 1 January 2026.
  18. ↑ "Forde, McIntyre set for NBA stint". NBL official website. 1 July 2023. Retrieved 28 February 2026.
  19. ↑ "Taipans Coach Back For Two More". NBL.com.au. 3 March 2023. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
  20. ↑ "Sydney cooks up new plan with star DJ". NBL official website. 31 May 2023. Retrieved 28 February 2026.
  21. ↑ "Forde departs Taipans". NBL Official Website. 14 February 2025. Retrieved 14 February 2025.
  22. ↑ "Ownership plans to change everything in Cairns". NBL official website. 29 May 2025. Retrieved 28 February 2026.
  23. ↑ "Every NBL teams total spend 2022-23". ESPN.com.au. 13 April 2023. Retrieved 28 February 2026.
  24. ↑ "How much NBL team spent 2023-24". ESPN.com.au. 6 May 2024. Retrieved 28 February 2026.
  25. ↑ "How much NBL team spent 2024-25". ESPN.com.au. 16 April 2025. Retrieved 28 February 2026.
  26. 1 2 "Head Coach Adam Forde signs up for next chapter". taipans.com. 13 June 2025. Retrieved 13 June 2025.
  27. ↑ Pike, Chris (16 July 2025). "'Built Forde tough': Adam driving 3x3 team to LA28 | Basketball.com.au". www.basketball.com.au. Retrieved 16 July 2025.
  28. ↑ "McVeigh returns to the NBL chooses Cairns". Taipans.com. 5 August 2025. Retrieved 28 February 2026.
  29. ↑ "Forde's blueprint for closing The gap". nbl.com.au. 25 February 2026. Retrieved 25 February 2026.
  30. ↑ "Cairns Taipans NBL26 season review what went wrong". Fox Sports official website. 11 February 2026. Retrieved 28 February 2026.
  31. ↑ "East Perth to start "new era"". WABL. 25 October 2010. Archived from the original on 29 June 2021. Forde was the Head Coach of the Rockingham Flames SBL team in 2010...
  32. ↑ "2011". East Perth Eagles. Archived from the original on 29 June 2021.
  33. ↑ "Forde looking for long-term success at helm of Eagles". SBL. 21 October 2011. Archived from the original on 29 June 2021.
  34. ↑ Ferguson, Frizz (2 September 2012). "Cougars claim SBL championship". Yahoo.com. The West Australian. Archived from the original on 7 April 2016. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  35. ↑ Hope, Shayne (30 August 2014). "Heartbreak the spur for Eagles". TheWest.com.au. Archived from the original on 15 March 2017. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  36. ↑ Pike, Chris (30 August 2014). "East Perth Eagles win first men's SBL championship". SBL. Archived from the original on 20 August 2018. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  37. ↑ "Forde signs on for 2015". SBL. 9 December 2014. Archived from the original on 29 June 2021.
  38. ↑ "Coach Forde steps down". SBL. 29 April 2015. Archived from the original on 29 June 2021.
  39. ↑ Lim, Kristie (7 April 2019). "Basketball: East Perth Eagles coach Adam Forde eyes finals". PerthNow.com.au. Eastern Reporter. Retrieved 30 June 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  40. ↑ "Coaches". Wildcats.com.au. Archived from the original on 19 August 2013. Retrieved 30 June 2021.
  41. ↑ "East Perth Eagles Development Camp". East Perth Eagles. Archived from the original on 30 June 2021.
  42. ↑ Wakeman, Sharni (18 February 2021). "TAYLOR HAWKS COACH – THE BEST OF EVERYTHING". totaloilnz.co.nz. Archived from the original on 23 February 2021. Retrieved 30 June 2021.
  43. ↑ "Hawke's Bay Hawks go for Chance to solve coaching issues" . nzherald.co.nz. 12 February 2021. Retrieved 30 June 2021.
  44. ↑ "Bay Hawks on Facebook". facebook.com/NZBayHawks. 20 June 2021. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
  45. ↑ "Bay Hawks on Facebook". facebook.com/NZBayHawks. 10 July 2021. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
  46. ↑ "EMERGING OPALS AND BOOMERS NAME TEAMS FOR 30TH SUMMER UNIVERSIADE". australia.basketball. 17 June 2019. Archived from the original on 18 June 2020. Retrieved 30 June 2021.
  47. ↑ "3x3 Coaches Announced". www.australia.basketball. 3 September 2025. Retrieved 10 March 2025.
  48. ↑ "Gangurrus named for FIBA 3x3 World Cup". www.australia.basketball. 16 June 2025. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
  49. ↑ "See ya in Scotland". Basketball Australia. 4 February 2026. Retrieved 7 February 2026.
  50. ↑ "SBL gets cracking". thewest.com.au. 15 March 2012. Retrieved 2 January 2026. ...and East Perth, who have put a big focus on youth under new coach Adam Forde.
  51. ↑ "How much nbl team spent in 2024-25". ESPN.com.au. 16 April 2025. Retrieved 2 January 2026.
  52. ↑ "Another young star heads to forde talent factory". NBL official website. 18 May 2023. Retrieved 2 January 2026.
  53. ↑ "Cairns factory continues build". NBL official website. 9 April 2023. Retrieved 2 January 2026.
  54. ↑ "Head coach Adam Forde signs up for next chapter". Taipans.com. 13 June 2025. Retrieved 2 January 2026.
  55. ↑ "Origins from garden gloves to golden state". Taipans.com. 4 November 2025. Retrieved 2 January 2026.
  56. ↑ "NBL 3x3: Most impactful signing? Which clubs need to lock down a key piece ASAP". ESPN.com.au. 4 January 2023. Retrieved 2 February 2026. He's a true players coach...
  57. ↑ Logue, Matt (5 February 2021). "'The fire came within 500 metres of our home' – Kings coach Adam Forde". News.com.au. Archived from the original on 5 February 2021. Retrieved 30 June 2021.
  58. ↑ "Forde's Added Desire to Defeat Sydney Explained". nbl.com.au. 15 February 2023. Retrieved 1 November 2025. ...where Kylie (Forde's wife) would say Carter (his son)...
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