The postponement of the Asia Cup and the start of the FIBA World Cup cycle, commencing in November, has signalled the end of one high performance cycle and the beginning of another.
This means the Tall Blacks Head Coach job has been publicly advertised today, the first time since Paul Henare applied for the role after the 2014 FIBA World Cup.
This also ends the interim contract that Coach Pero Cameron has honoured since the beginning of 2020 when Paul Henare relinquished the position for a new role in Japan. Cameron took care of the role in the knowledge that it would be advertised at the beginning of the next cycle.
Chief Executive Iain Potter says Cameron admirably answered the call to stand in and again acknowledged his ongoing commitment to the Tall Blacks programme.
“COVID-19 has thrown many challenges at our national programme and Pero has endured those disruptions and uncertainties, along with the players and our high-performance staff. Despite the huge challenges the sport has faced since COVID-19 became a reality, Cameron has continued to provide leadership throughout.”
The role is advertised at a time when great opportunities lay ahead for the Tall Blacks programme. It’s hoped the new High Performance Sport New Zealand Aspirational Fund, which is expected to take effect early next year, could see a considerable increase in the funding of Basketball New Zealand’s high performance programme. It also comes at a time when basketball is seeing significant improvements including the thriving Sal’s NBL and strong participation levels.
The appointment panel includes High Performance Director Leonard, Board Member Megan Compain, former Tall Blacks Captain Mika Vukona, Canterbury Rams and NBL Board Member Andrew Harrison, and Hugh Lawrence (former BBNZ Chief Executive and current adviser with Te Kawa Public Service).
King says the role will be advertised internationally. That said, an ideal scenario would see a coach based in New Zealand.
“Our entry into the FIBA Asia Zone has significantly increased demands on the Tall Blacks coaching role.
“While the key part of the role is to coach the Tall Blacks, we are also wanting the Head Coach to be part of the wider player development and high performance programme.”
The role is being advertised on Seek.co.nz. The deadline for applications is 5pm, Monday, 16 August 2021.
