FIBA Oceania Youth Tournament coaches named

Basketball Australia is pleased to announce the coaching staff selected to lead the Australian teams at the 2010 FIBA Oceania Youth Tournament.

The tournament will be held in Noumea, New Caledonia from October 30 to November 7.

Australia will be sending both a men’s and women’s team to the tournament to compete against New Zealand, Fiji, Guam, New Caledonia, American Samoa, Tahiti and Vanuatu.

Former Western Sydney Razorbacks Head Coach Mark Watkins will lead the Australian Men’s team after leading New South Wales to the national title earlier this year. He will be assisted by Justin Schueller, Head NITCP Coach Tasmania and Head Coach of the 2010 U20 Men’s Tasmanian team. Darren Thomas of Ballarat, Victoria will be the manager.

Simon Pritchard has been appointed Head Coach of the Women’s team. Simon has led the U20 South Australian team for the past four years with two gold medals to show for it.

Pritchard’s Assistant Coach Paul Simpson has a similar pedigree as the Head Coach of the U29 Victorian team for the past four years for two gold medals and two silvers. The Women’s team will be managed by Judi Roberts from Adelaide.

The athletes to contest the tournament will be selected following the Australian Development Camp to be held in September at the Australian Institute of Sport.