Hiroshima Dragonflies Head Coach Kyle Milling Departs
Hiroshima Dragonflies announced on July 10, 2024 that 49‑year‑old American head coach Kyle Milling will leave after the 2024 season to become the new head coach of the Gunma Crane Thunders. Milling has led Hiroshima since 2021, delivering a B.League championship and a third‑place finish in the FIBA Asia Basketball Champions League.
Why is Milling’s Track Record Significant?
Milling debuted in Japan with the Yokohama B‑Corsairs in 2020, then moved to Hiroshima in 2021. In the 2022‑23 season he guided the Dragonflies to the B.League title. The 2023‑24 Asia Champions League saw his squad finish third, posting an average of 84.5 points per game and a field‑goal percentage of 48.2 %. In Europe he coached Limoges (2017‑2019) and Toulon Basket (2015‑2017), gaining playoff experience in the French league.
Gunma Crane Thunders’ Motivation for Hiring Milling
Promoted to the B.League in 2021, the Thunders missed the playoffs in 2023‑24. Last season they featured former EuroLeague players Ben Bentil and Kaleb Tarczewski, with Tarczewski extending his contract for 2024‑25. Milling’s expertise is expected to sharpen their pick‑and‑roll offense and improve rebounding in the paint.
What Lies Ahead for Both Clubs?
Under Milling, Gunma aims to boost steals from a season average of 1.8 per game to 2.3 per game. Meanwhile, Hiroshima must appoint a new coaching staff, likely promoting a young assistant or recruiting from abroad. Fans feel the loss of Milling but are eager to see how both teams reshape their rosters for the upcoming season.