Great Britain Olympian Drew Sullivan has already had a little taste of coaching with his DS8 Clinics this summer, and has now ratified that intention after being announced the new head coach of the Loughborough Basketball Programme.
From Loughborough:
“Loughborough Basketball has announced that London 2012 Olympian Drew Sullivan has been appointed as the new head coach for their men’s team.
Drew, who played for Team GB in the London 2012 Olympic Games, will continue to play for the Leicester Riders but will also take his first steps into coaching by working with the Loughborough Student Riders men’s team for the 2012/13 season.
The Loughborough Student Riders will look to make an impact on the EBL Division Two National League in the upcoming season, whilst at the same time develop the many international calibre players on the roster.
Speaking about his new coaching role Drew Sullivan said:
“The goal is to develop talent year in year out so we have a number of strong teams. This is hugely important for the programme and its player development as well so guys understand that if you’re playing in the first team and then move to the second team or third team it is not a demotion, it’s a chance for you to play with really good players by giving you the opportunity to develop. That is what Loughborough has always been about, developing high quality talent.
“I’m more worried about player development than anything else. The wins and losses will take care of themselves providing the guys do what is asked of them. But It is understanding what level the guys can play at and then how to move on to the next level. That’s the most important thing.”
The announcement is the latest development for the ‘Loughborough Basketball Programme’, a thriving partnership between Loughborough University, Loughborough College, Charnwood College and the Leicester Riders.
The partnership offers young people from the UK and overseas the opportunity to continue studying in higher and further education as well as developing as a basketball player.
Joe Pinchin, Programme Manager for Loughborough Basketball, said:
“It is great for our programme to have Drew on board, not only as an Olympian but also as an 11 year professional basketball player. His experience on and off the court is really going to develop our players who spend three to four years with us, going from under 18 level to developing into professional athletes. Drew will be a fountain of knowledge in helping them to progress.”
Rob Jarram, Elite Sports Development Manager at Loughborough College said:
“Built on the success of the Programme last year to have somebody like Drew come in, with the Olympic and elite experience that he has had in his career, is fantastic. It demonstrates that we are constantly expanding the elite sporting provision at the College and the University.”
Thoughts?
Image Credit: Loughborough University
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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Interesting reflection on the game in the UK. Now Drew may end up being an outstanding coach, I don’t know. But whay do we give such an important, high level (relatively speaking) coaching job to someone with 0 coaching experience? He’s a pro player so he must be a great coach?????
Amen to that Steve.
I’m not sure you can class Loughborough as a high level coaching position (even relatively speaking).
I guess that someone who wants to coach has to start somewhere, so is not an EBL team as good a place to start as anywhere else?. The standard of the EBL is not itself high and Loughborough are not the number one team in the EBL (?).
Certainly there is a steep learning curve from player to coach.
Being moved from the first team to the second – or third – team is not demotion? !!!!!!!!!!!
Good point about what you said a new coach has to cut his teeth from some were and the EBL Div 2 is a good place to start. His a great ambassador for our country and was a GB captain. Andrew Sullivan is a player who i have seen grow up. From his days at Homerton house training on both the indoor court and the out door court ( for those who know what i mean you would understand ) to the hard wood of the Olympic basketball court he has come a long way in basketball. I would love to see Drew be that new talented coach we have been waiting for so i wish him all the very best with his new coaching role.
Ps…..NO MERCY ( R.I.P Joe White gone but never forgotten )
Not sure what happens when Loughborough play on the same day as the Leicester Riders as I believe Drew is still playing for them
Its been worked out so they dont have any clashes- Joe Pinchin has put alot of behind the scenes work into making this work!
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR PROSPECTIVE LOUGHBOROUGH STUDENTS
There are two tiers of entry, Loughborough University where average course entry is 3 A*/A’ s at A level (not BTEC or similar ) or Loughborough College where sometimes they will allow you to play in the Uni team – eligibility for this is somewhat different to the university. Be aware and don’t be fooled.
Where did Fab coach before he coached Newcastle??
Where did Finch coach before he started at Sheffield??
Everyone has to start somewhere and for someone with Drew’s experience I think this a good level to start.
Both came over to England in the very first instance because they were unable to play/coach in their own country.
Similar in most instances to all US players, and “coaches” who have come or are coming to this country. They were/are unable to make it in their own country.
Many could not get a position in Europe, either because of their standard or language.
Many of course were journeymen, playing for a variety of teams while over here.
They where rhetorical questions but thanks for your ‘answer’
Probably three groups of players and/or coaches.
Group A Those coming out of college who make it into the NBA (players) or NBA/NCAA (coaches)
Group B Those who can not make it in the US, but find a place in Europe (not including the UK)
Group C Those who can only find a place in the UK.
A good place to start, for anyone is coaching kids. Thats where you develop your ability to communicate and develop people.
The problem with an ex-player going straight into this type of situation is that they tend to get frustrated with the players – because they can’t do it as well as the coach!
Amazing appointment