Cal to Kal: Hall-of-Famer to lead Goldfields in 2027

The Goldfields Giants have appointed former NBL star and Australian basketball Hall of Famer Cal Bruton as Head Coach of their men's program for the 2027 NBL1 West season.

The basketball icon brings one of the most decorated résumés in Australian hoops, having been part of the NBL since its inception in 1979.

As an NBL player, the star point guard appeared in more than 250 games across four clubs.

Between 1982 and 1987, he featured in four Grand Finals, winning the championship with the Brisbane Bullets in 1985.

One of those Grand Final appearances came with the Perth Wildcats in 1987, the franchise's first and a driving force in the club's rise in popularity.

Bruton twice earned All-NBL First Team honours and was later named in the League's 20th Anniversary Team in 1998.

His influence extended well beyond his playing days.

Bruton coached 330 NBL games, some as a player-coach, winning Coach of the Year in 1982 and claiming his second championship in 1990 while leading the Wildcats.

Bruton has also fostered a strong connection with communities since his playing days, particularly in Western Australia, helping lead basketball clinics and aiding the disadvantaged through the Bruton Basketball Foundation.

The NBL star was a heavy contributor to the Goldfields Giants earning their State Basketball League licence, with his work engaging local youth and unearthing regional talent in Kalgoorlie.

The 2021 Order of Australia Medallist said he was thrilled to be contributing to the game once again in a state close to his heart.

“I am truly grateful for this wonderful opportunity provided by the Goldfields Basketball Association and the Goldfields Giants,” Bruton said.

“Having been involved in the establishment of the original Kalgoorlie franchise in 1989, it is immensely rewarding to come full circle more than three decades later and once again be part of this proud basketball community.

“I look forward to building a team that the Goldfields can be proud of, both on and off the court, and I am excited about the journey ahead.

“I am honoured to have the opportunity to contribute to the future success of basketball in Kalgoorlie.”

Goldfields Basketball Association Chairman Robert Tagliaferri said the appointment would have a significant impact on basketball across the Kalgoorlie region, and he was optimistic about what the club could achieve under Bruton.

“With Cal's name and background, I have no doubt this will provide a lift, spotlight and boost to our brand, our club and our sponsorship,” Tagliaferri said.

“In regard to on-court performance, Cal is a seasoned veteran coach and recruiter – he is a winner.

“We are excited about seeing the flow-on effects from his signing and the impact on the Goldfields region and beyond.”

In a further coup for the Giants as they build towards a much-improved 2027, Cal's son Austin will join him at the club, overseeing team culture and recruitment – a representation of basketball running deep in the Bruton family.

The Bruton name was prominent in the NBL1 this year, with Rio enjoying a strong season for the South Adelaide Panthers in NBL1 Central and Brooklyn (another son of Cal's) producing a career-best year playing for the Ballarat Miners in NBL1 South.

With Goldfields possessing a record of 6–15 in the 2026 NBL1 West season, the acquisition of Bruton marks the first significant move in an important off-season for the Western Australian franchise.

Have you got the NBL1 app? Make sure to download and turn on push notifications to get all your NBL1 West offseason news first.