For our first NBL takeover, Richmond Knights will be taking over the NBL Instagram stories on Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 October.
We caught up with Knights' Coach Andrew Wallace ahead of their takeover weekend, in the first Coach Spotlight of the 2018/19 season.
COACH SPOTLIGHT
Name: Andrew Wallace
Team: Richmond Knights - U16 Boys (South Premier)
What brought you into coaching?
I love helping young people realise their goals and develop their skills through basketball. The passion of the game and the competition side.
What were your original thoughts when you moved into coaching?
At University, I didn't really know what to expect or think at first, I've always played basketball so I was intrigued and curious about the coaching side. I wanted to give back to young players what basketball gave to me. Opportunities to grow, making friends, representing your country, play abroad, University scholarships etc...
What did you find most interesting to learn as a coach?
The different abilities of players. You have to understand them and their potential in order to make them improve. Every individual is different. Some are physically stronger more capable than others, some are mentally. Your job is to find that balance for any player and give them the necessary tools they need in order to develop. The rest is up to them.
What was the most rewarding part of your coaching journey so far?
Which parts of coaching do you like the most?
To coach at the highest level of certain age groups. I also love the competition side of the game. The feeling of winning/losing. The team spirit.
Where are you now? How are you using your coaching skills?
I am currently coaching the Richmond Knights U16 Premier team this season. I have always coached so many teams in the past, but this season I wanted to solely focus on one. I also oversee our NBL programme here at Knights and it is a great but yet challenging responsibility to have!
What is your coaching vision for the next 2 years?
I would love to have my very own club one day in order to create more opportunities for people to play the beautiful game of basketball.
What is your favourite coaching question from athletes?
Not necessarily to do with coaching but I am always asked “Can you dunk?” and my response is the same. Yes, 10 years ago….
What advice do you have for those coaches currently in training?
Be passionate when coaching. Players feed from the coach, especially junior ones! Do not judge players immediately. Get to know them on/off the court. Their strengths, weaknesses and their education etc…
For junior teams/players, make it fun but do not forget to teach the fundamentals! We lack players understanding the IQ of the game and fundamentals at a very young stage compared to European players.
What legacy would you like to leave behind you?
To know that I have helped as many players as I could during my time coaching them.
You can follow Coach Andrew's progress this weekend as Richmond Knights takeover the NBL Instagram stories!
