Canberra Capitals coach Paul Goriss expects a generational change in Australian basketball to help lift the Opals back to the top of the world as he prepares for an international initiation.
Goriss was unveiled on Tuesday as one of two new Opals assistants who will work with coach Sandy Brondello to rebuild the team after the retirement of linchpins Lauren Jackson and Penny Taylor.
Goriss will juggle his Opals job with his mission to lead a revival in Canberra by lifting the Capitals back into the play-offs for the first time since 2011.
The Capitals are set to announce Lauren Scherf as a new recruit on Thursday after beating Adelaide for the Australian junior star's signature.
Goriss' appointment to the Opals' staff could give his recruitment campaign another boost as a lure for players on the Australian team fringes.
"I'd probably be stupid to say [being an Opals assistant] couldn't play a part in recruiting," Goriss said.
"But for me, girls are going to want to play for the Capitals because they want to play for our club and be here for the right reasons.
"To me, it's not just about coming to Canberra and you're going to be an Opal. It helps me being part of the system with the style, I can provide some insight. But I want girls to come for the right reasons."
Goriss will join Cheryl Chambers as Brondello's offsiders with the coaching staff to meet in Phoenix next week to start mapping out their Opals plans.
The Opals failed to win a medal at the Rio Olympic Games last year. It was the first time the Opals had missed out on winning an Olympic medal since the Barcelona Games in 1992.
Brondello has been appointed to take charge of a new-look group after Opals greats Jackson and Taylor retired last year.
Goriss believes a new Opals coach and new set up can breathe life into the WNBL as players fight to prove their worth.
"It's a fresh start and I think it will bring a new vibe and a different look to the Opals," Goriss said.
"We're in that transition period with Lauren and some of the all-time greats retiring. But that does open up opportunities to have a red-hot crack. I think it's an exciting time.
"I still think there are good times ahead for us. It's going to be hotly contested during the WNBL season."
Goriss is speaking with several players in the hope of building his Capitals roster for next season. Keely Froling and marquee recruit Rachel Jarry are the only players who have committed to deals.
But Scherf will join them on Thursday as the Capitals target a finals revival.
