New b’ball coach experienced

Press, 26 May 1978, Page 20

New b’ball coach experienced

By

ROD DEW

A man who has been involved in basketball in the United States for more than 40 years, Mr John Toomasian, will arrive in Christchurch next Friday to begin his duties as New Zealand’s second director of basketball coaching. One of the most knowledgeable basketball coaches to come to this country, Mr Toomasian is expected to place a high priority on coaching coaches during the two years he will be under contract to the New Zealand federation. But he is also a sports medicine specialist and is likely to develop a new awareness in the sport

of how to prevent and cope with basketball injuries. Strapping ankle injuries to enable players to continue is among his specialities. Mr Toomasian, ironically, replaced one of his former basketball pupils, Lloyd Sanders, as New Zealand director of coaching. Mr Sanders, also an American, returned to his homeland earlier this year. Mr Toomasian, who will be based in Christchurch, has an impressive background in the sport. He was the head basketball coach of Fresno City College in California between 1961 and 1975. During that time, the college team won five championships and finished runner-up 10

times. His win-loss record was 346-138. Before this, he coached the Fresno City High School team. In his youth, he was an American amateur representative. He played basketball for both the University of Illinois and the California State University. He has also been a key figure in basketball administration. Between 1973 and 1975 he was president of the Californian Community College Basketball Coaches’ Association and, before that, president of the San Joaquin Valley Officials’ Association.

Mr Toomasian has also written a number of books and other publications on basketball.