Basketball New Zealand

Shawn Dennis (David Litnott)

His decision is understandable, but Shawn Dennis’ resignation now leaves Basketball New Zealand in search of a new Tall Ferns head coach.

After just one year in the role, the Bay Hawks NBL men’s coach has stepped aside to take up an assistant’s job with the Perth Wildcats, Australian NBL champions.

“It was an easy career choice, but a heartfelt one all the same,” admits Dennis.

“Because of the work that needs to be done growing the women’s game in New Zealand, I feel the Tall Ferns coach needs to be based on shore.

“I would have liked to stay in New Zealand, but I had to make a decision to better my career and felt the opportunity with Perth was the right move.”

Dennis previously spent two years assisting Mike McHugh with the Ferns, helping them to silver medals at the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games. He was appointed to take over from McHugh last year and guided the team through the FIBA Oceania Championship against the world champion Australian Opals.

But the native Australian, currently in his seventh season with the Hawks, also gave his time and expertise freely in other areas of women’s basketball, attending academy camps and Women’s Basketball Championship tournaments.

“The coach of the Tall Ferns needs to be seen at all levels of the women’s game, helping to develop the right pathways, and improving links with future players and coaches,” says Dennis.

“That was a major goal of mine in the first year of my involvement and I felt we achieved this.”

Now, BBNZ must find someone with similar energy to take up that challenge.

After failing to qualify for the world championships, the Ferns, ranked 16th in the world, have limited opportunities to perform in 2010, but will face Olympic qualifying next year. If the Opals defend their crown, the Oceania berth at London 2012 – their fourth in succession – again becomes very achievable for New Zealand.

“We still have some very talented, loyal and experienced players to choose from, but now need to find the coach that will galvanise them into a successful team,” says BBNZ chief executive Tim Hamilton.

“We wish Shawn all the best in his new role. He has made a tremendous contribution to New Zealand basketball – both men and women – and we certainly hope this is not the last we see of him.”

*****

Situation Vacant

BBNZ is now seeking expressions of interest for the vacant Tall Ferns head coach position.

All candidates for national team roles must possess the following general attributes:

• Committed and enthusiastic to be involved in BBNZ programmes and displaying loyalty to BBNZ, the national team programme and personnel

• Will act as a positive ambassador and spokesperson for BBNZ

• Excellent communication and team-building skills

• Willingness to share information and experiences with other members of the basketball community

• A willingness to contribute to BBNZ development initiatives and underpinning programmes (clinics, workshops, camps etc)

Coaches must possess the following attributes …

• Advanced level of coaching certification

• Knowledge of technical and tactical aspects of basketball

• Understanding of international basketball and demands placed on athletes, coaches and teams at the international level

• Familiarity with the talent pool in New Zealand would be advantageous

• Experience dealing with elite athletes and coaching at the national or international level

• Demonstrated history of coaching success at the highest levels of competition

• Willingness to assist BBNZ in implementing a national philosophy and common playing outcomes

• The ability to plan, execute and deliver a world class high performance programme

If you are interested in filling this position, please apply by close of business on Friday, July 2, 2010 to:

Basketball New Zealand
PO Box 6052
Marion Square
Wellington 6141
Email: melinda@basketball.org.nz

Expressions of interest should include …

• Letter of introduction

• Contact details

• Coach CV

For further information, contact Melinda Hodgson on melinda@basketball.org.nz or phone (04) 4985955.