S.I. Representative Is New Men's Basketball Selector

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30393, 18 March 1964, Page 15

S.I. Representative Is New Men's Basketball Selector

A PLAYER who was Canterbury men’s basketball's outstanding guard last season, P. Doogue (Y.M.C.A.) has decided to retire from first-

class competition. However, his talents will be even more valuable to the game this season for he has been appointed coachselector of the Canterbury A representative team. He replaces Mr A. Forrester, the coach for the last two seasons, who is still recovering from an illness.

In some respects, the decision of Doogue to forego all senior basketball is somewhat surprising for he was at the peak of bis

career. Nevertheless, no more able person could be appointed to fill the very responsible position of coach-selector.

Last season he captained the South Island team in its annual match against the North Island, played at the conclusion of the national tournament in Christchurch. He has consistently represented Canterbury in the last two seasons and was selected for the original squad from which the New Zealand team to tour Southeast Asia in 1962 was chosen.

Before he came to Christchurch in 1961, Doogue represented Auckland for a number of seasons and was also chosen for the North Island team on one occasion. He is one of the few players who have been selected for both the North

and South Island representative teams—a lasting tribute to his skill.

It is expected that Doogue will also play in the senior-reserve competition this season. He was a member of the Canterbury Men’s Basketball Association’s management committee last year.

Mr R. S. Thomson has been appointed coach of the promising under 19 Canterbury colts. A former Canterbury representative between 1947 and 1954 and also a former South Island representative, he was the coach-selector for the team last season, its first. Mr Thomson is also a New Zealand basketball referees’ badge holder and a former Canterbury Rugby wing three-quarters.