Both Logan Thunder teams were among the NBL1 North heavyweights in 2026, but after two heartbreaking semi-final exits, some familiar faces are making way as a new era begins.
THE Thunder rolled through 2026, but when Logan Basketball returns next season, things will look a little different.
Both Logan Thunder senior teams established themselves among the NBL1 North’s best this year, with the women claiming the minor premiership and the men finishing fourth before both campaigns ended at the semi-final stage.
The Thunder women were the competition’s benchmark throughout the regular season, compiling a brilliant 14-2 record from 16 games.
But basketball can be cruel.
After months of winning, Logan’s championship dream disappeared by the smallest possible margin, with Mackay Meteorettes stealing an 88-87 semi-final thriller.
The Thunder men also gave supporters plenty to cheer about, finishing fourth with a 12-4 record.
Their title charge ran into a Gold Coast-sized roadblock in the semi-final, with the Rollers winning 127-91 before going on to claim the championship.
But the final siren on 2026 has also sounded on two significant chapters in Logan Basketball history.
After seven years in the General Manager’s chair, Mitch Young has stepped down from leading the association.
Into some sizeable shoes steps Luca Vergari, arriving from Cairns Basketball with an impressive résumé, having helped the association become a finalist for Association of the Year in 2025, earn NBL1 North Club of the Year honours and deliver strong participation growth and facility improvements.
There will also be a new voice calling the shots for the Thunder men.
After a decade coaching in Logan’s senior program, men’s head coach Luke Cann has stepped down.
Cann leaves with a 69.7 per cent winning record, 115 coaching victories and nine finals appearances across 10 seasons as a head coach.
His men’s record stands at an imposing 100-46, while he also went 15-4 coaching the Thunder women.
So while the Thunder didn’t quite strike championship gold in 2026, there was plenty to celebrate.
Now, with two long-serving leaders moving on and Vergari taking the reins, the forecast for 2027 is clear.
Change is coming — but there is still plenty of Thunder in Logan.
