He fills the vacancy left by the retirement of Peter Cunningham after three years with Ballarat Miners – two as head coach and one as assistant coach to Eric Hayes.

This is a new direction in the sport for Flint.

Flint from Bendigo has an outstanding SEABL playing and coaching record, but this will be his first term as a head coach in a women’s conference.

“I am very comfortable with what the men have achieved and where their program is going with Eric as head coach.”

Flint said he was excited about the opportunity to be involved in the Rush program and looking forward to developing country Victorian players going through it.

Flint led the GMHBA Miners into the 2014 play-offs - the first time they had played in finals since 2006. He assisted Hayes to again get the Miners into this year's final series.

Darren Govan and Lucas Bourke will remain as Rush assistant coaches, while Cunningham will retain ties in a development role with Basketball Ballarat’s junior program.

Rush elite teams group chairman Kym Cassells, who coached Ballarat Lady Miners to a SEABL championship in 2005, said Flint’s experience and knowledge would be a huge benefit to the Harvey Norman Ballarat Rush and women’s program overall.

She said he would continue Rush’s emphasis on player development.

Basketball Ballarat chief executive officer Peter Eddy said retaining Flint’s knowledge, passion and commitment had been an important goal for organisation. “We’re absolutely thrilled that he has accepted this appointment”.

Eddy said Flint’s impact in SEABL was undeniable. 

Flint is second in Bendigo Braves’ all-time games played and points scored, and all-time leader in rebounds, blocks, assists and steals.

He led the Braves to their first championship in 1988 as a playing coach.  Flint was selected in the SEABL 1980-89 team of the decade as a player and 1990-99 team as head coach.