Q and A with Tasmania Ivor Burge Men's Head Coaches

Tasmania’s Ivor Burge Men’s team is not setting the bar too high in terms of win/loss aspirations, but are looking forward to showing the talent of the Apple Aisle to the country, and how far they have come in the past 12 months.

The Tassie men finished last year in a playoff decider between fifth and sixth, where they fell to the team from the ACT, 92-71. On that day they were led on the scoreboard by Scott Crowdon with 24 points, and Bruce Stanley with 14 points.

Scott Crowden is back again this year, and is someone the Co-Head Coaches of the Tasmanian side Odette Seabourne and Kathy Hendricks, see as a future star.

We caught up with both coaches to see how the team was tracking leading into this year’s competition.

Coach’s Name:   Co-Coaches ODETTE SEABOURNE and KATHY HENRICKS
Team: Tasmania Ivor Burge Men’s Team

1. What are your goals for your team heading into the championships?
Obviously everyone wants to win a medal, but for us it is to win A game and to perform better than last year, as we are only the ‘under dogs’.

2. How often has your team been training in preparation for the Championship and what sort of form have they been in?
We have been training since July 09, began with every 3 weeks, then every fortnight and the last few months weekly. Their form –for them as well as can be expected.

3. Which of your players do you think will surprise with their play at the championship?
Vincent Hall - his maturity on the court has grown considerably over the last 12 months.
Scott Crowden - a young man that gets over looked, as he may not be as skilful as some, but has the heart of a lion.

4. Are there any of your players who you believe could be a future senior national player for the Boomers/Opals?  -boomerangs
For Australian selection - Vincent Hall, Scott Crowden, Bruce Stanley.

5. What are the trademarks you’ve tried to instil into your team?
 ‘Love of the game’, ‘Sportsmanship’ and ‘Do your best, never give up.’

6. Which teams do you think are your main competition for the national title?
The two ‘Metro’ teams or South Australia.

7. Have you scouted your opposition and, if so, who do you expect to be the standout players of the championship?
Not really an option for us.

8. What do you think the athletes will take away from playing at the Nationals and will it help their development as basketballers?
It helps them socially, enhances their communication skills and they learn team spirit .Their basketball skills definitely develop as they play against stronger opponents.

9. Describe the style of play your team expects to implement in the championship?
Describing our style of play and what I expect, and what the team actually does are two different things (fingers crossed).

10. What are your team’s main areas of strength and weakness?
Defence—weakness
Lack of player choice in Tassie –weakness
They give their all—strength
Their never give up attitude—strength
Respect of their coaches and managers--strength

The team is looking forward to the championships and visiting Adelaide!