Brown had been appointed head coach by Basketball Australia in November 2019 and was set to manage the team at Tokyo 2020 this year before the Games were postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The American stepped down in October saying he could not "commit to the time and preparation that this job deserves and requires" due to "uncertainties around the direction of my professional future" after he was sacked by National Basketball Association (NBA) team the Philadelphia 76ers in August.

Basketball Australia has now confirmed the appointment of Goorjian, who has been appointed through to the 2023 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Basketball World Cup.

Goorjian is a six-time National Basketball League (NBL) Championship-winning coach and previously coached Australia at the Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

Basketball Australia said Goorijan has also broadened his international experience through two years with the Japanese national team, before an 11-year stint as a coach with teams in the Chinese Basketball Association.

"Brian’s success as a coach both domestically and internationally, plus his experience on the Olympic stage made him a standout candidate for this prestigious role," said Jerril Rechter, Basketball Australia chief executive.

"His appointment as our senior men’s national team head coach elevates the excitement we feel for the Boomers, not just in Tokyo where we have podium expectations but also beyond this Olympic campaign."

Goorjian takes over a team which has fallen narrowly short of securing medals at major international events in recent years.

Australia suffered an 89-88 defeat to Spain in the bronze-medal match at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Spain were again the victors when they beat Australia 95-88 after two overtime periods in last year’s FIBA World Cup semi-finals in China, en route to claiming the title.

France beat Australia in the third-place playoff.

Goorjian has welcomed the opportunity to take charge of the team which includes Andrew Bogut, Patty Mills, and Joe Ingles, players he gave Olympic debuts to at Beijing 2008.

"I am honoured to be appointed as the men’s national coach and I am looking forward to the challenge," Goorjian said.

"Being reunited with some of the guys I previously coached at the Beijing Olympics is an exciting prospect.

"Australia is very fortunate to have such a talented group of athletes at this time.

"There is certainly a feeling of unfinished business, so there is a strong commitment from these players to participating in the Tokyo Olympics.

"I will be sitting down with Basketball Australia over the coming days to get fully briefed on their existing plans as we start the road to Tokyo and beyond."

Goorjian is currently the head coach of the Hawks in the NBL.

His appointment as Australian Boomers head coach will not impact his current role.

"The entire Hawks organisation is thrilled for Brian and this opportunity," said Dorry Kordahi, Hawks co-owner and President.

"Brian’s approach to the game and his insight are second to none.

"He inspires players through his knowledge and passion, and I have every confidence Brian will lead the Boomers to success on the world stage.

"As a friend and colleague, I could not be more proud of this appointment."