Basketball On The Internet.

BUILDING relationships is a key to the Opals' future international success according to newly appointed head coach Brendan Joyce.

The 10th coach of Australia's women's national team - Vern Thomas, Tony Gaze, Merv Harris, Jim Madigan, Brendan Flynn, Robbie Cadee, Tom Maher, Jan Stirling, and Carrie Graf the ones who paved the way - is embracing Stirling's philosophy of surrounding himself with quality people.

"I want good people from the program to participate again and give their input," he enthused today, his pride and excitement in winning the coveted coaching role clearly evident.

"Building relationships is a big part of our future."

Joyce was referring to maintaining regular communication with Australia's WNBA, Europe and Asia-bound female basketball players.

The father of four - including three girls, twins among them - is rolling up his sleeves and ready to show a flexibility toward our internationals which previously may not have been quite as evident.

"With BA's Centre of Excellence in place, I want to work at developing a different culture from a young level," the kid from the mean streets of Melbourne said.

"I want the team to be in shape and fit for the style of play we will have."

Joyce, whose appointment has been mooted generally and certainly at this website since last month, said the interview process had been extensive.

"The (selection) process was really extensive and fantastic," he said.

No doubt. BA was anxious to get this right after Carrie Graf's decision to move away from the head coaching role in the wake of the London Olympics caught many unprepared.

With no logical successor, it was a major challenge.

"Brendan has been coaching at the national and international level for the best part of 20 years," BA CEO Kristina Keneally said.

"That depth of experience will be crucial to what is already one of the strongest programs in Australian sport.

"We look forward to Brendan continuing to build on the foundations set by Tom Maher, Jan Stirling and Carrie Graf in establishing the Opals as Australia's premier women's sporting team."

The selection panel was chaired by BA's high performance general manager Steven Icke, with five-time Olympian Andrew Gaze, three-time NBA Champion and Boomers great Luc Longley, legendary WNBL and 2006 FIBA World Championship-winning Opals coach Stirling, WNBL great and three-time Olympic medallist Rachael Sporn and AIS sports performance manager David Crocker.

The butcher, the baker and the candlestick-maker apparently couldn't also fit in the room.

Joyce, 52 - "Do you have to put that in? You know I can pass for 42," he said, revealing he had not lost his sense of humor - said he was uncertain what the appointment might mean to his position as honorary president of the NBL Coaches Association.

"I'm not sure. I know I will have to step down from doing any TV commentating," he said.

No kidding.

For more of what Brendan had to say about the Opals, check out the online interviews at http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/basketball/brendan-joyce-named-as-new-head-coach-of-the-australian-opals/story-fndekpx4-1226644208268 and also at http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/basketball/new-opals-coach-brendan-joyce-rolls-out-red-carpet-for-erin-phillips/story-fndekpx4-1226644734272

The big challenge for Joyce though will be getting everyone back onto the same page for the run to Rio 2016.

But then, building relationships is his platform.