Paul Goriss took a team from rock bottom to potentially lifting a second straight WNBL crown, but he'll be quick to credit a long list of Canberra Capitals players who helped reignite the basketball powerhouse.
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He'll say recruiting Kelsey Griffin was a masterstroke. Luring Marianna Tolo back was key. Then there's the league's most valuable player Kia Nurse, and French point-guard Olivia Epoupa.
It's no wonder Goriss is all about the team.
The Capitals mentor was crowned WNBL coach of the year on Monday, polling 22 votes to finish clear of Southside's Cheryl Chambers and Melbourne's Guy Molloy on 20 apiece.
Coaches and captains cast a vote for their top three selections with Goriss coming out on top, but he's already shifted his focus to the Sunday's semi-final clash with the Melbourne Boomers.
"I don't like these individuals awards very much because I'm all about the team, but to get this award among some great coaches in the WNBL's 40th season is very special," Goriss said.
"Right now, my focus is on game two of the semi-finals and hopefully leading this group and club to the championship.
"I would really like to thank the playing group because without them, there wouldn't be this award.
"Over the last two seasons we've built great camaraderie, great chemistry and talent.
"It was a masterstroke getting Kelsey to come and play here. Tag that on the back of a championship, keeping Tolo around the club and getting the likes of Nurse and Epoupa. Even last year, having the veteran leadership of Kelly Wilson and Leilani Mitchell.
"I've had the privilege of coaching some really great players who have made me a better coach and have challenged me."
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Goriss was tasked with taking the most successful team in WNBL history back to the top when he was appointed the Capitals coach in 2016.
It took him three seasons to find his championship winning roster and suffered a 13-match losing streak a long the way.
The Capitals went from cellar dwellers to champions within twelve months, an achievement Tolo credits to her coach.
"Goriss has been awesome and I'm lucky to have had three seasons under him now," Tolo said.
"I think one of his bigger strengths is being able to get players here and players who really want to play for him.
"Even though I think he could have got the award last year as well, I'm super stoked for him to get it this year and it validates all the hard work he's put in."
Goriss' recognition as the league's coach of the year is fitting after an injury-plagued season and being pipped for the accolade last year.
But for him, the bigger achievement would be bringing another title home to Canberra.
The Capitals will look to book their ticket to the decider when they meet the Boomers at Melbourne's State Basketball Centre this weekend.
Canberra took a one-game lead in the series with an 84-70 win at home this past weekend, but playing away poses a greater challenge for Goriss' side.
"Being on their home turf is different. It was a tight game until Kia really broke it open with those three or four three-pointers in a row," Goriss said.
"They still have confidence than other than Kia going off, it was looking like a two or four point game. They had a lead of seven at one stage.
"So, being back in Melbourne without our home fans and them riding the wave of energy that their crowd is going to give them, we have to tighten up offensively.
"I think defensively we were solid for most of the game but I think offensively we can be better executing."
Meanwhile, Southside Flyers beat Adelaide Lightning 68-65 in game one of the other semi-final series on Tuesday night.
WNBL SEMI-FINALS
Semi-final series two (all times in AEDT)
Game one: Canberra Capitals 84 bt Melbourne Boomers 70 at AIS Arena.
Sunday, February 23: Game two - Melbourne Boomers v Canberra Capitals at State Basketball Centre, 6pm.
Game three date to be confirmed if necessary.
