Canty basketball coaches chosen

Press, 14 September 1988, Page 72

Canty basketball coaches chosen

By

FRANK DUGGAN

Keith Mair (men) and Russell Berry (woman) have been appointed coaches of the 1989 Canterbury Countrywide national basketball league teams. Mr Mair, of Christchurch, and formerly of Timaru, and the present New Zealand coach, was selected ahead of two others. One was believed to be a former national coach, Bob Bishop, who spearheaded the University club to Canterbury club this year, the other was a definite nomination, Steve

Quarles, the Checkers coach. Two applications were received for the women’s coaching position, Mr Berry being the only person with, suitable' qualifications. He has been involved in all aspects of the sport for many years. Mr Mair was a schoolteacher at Timaru up until three years ago before moving to Christchurch where he is now a sharebroker. He has involved himself considerably in the coaching role and, to a lesser playing the odd match, even at the age of 44.

Mr Mair plays purely social basketball, for a team called Going Nowhere. “Since I came to Christchurch I have always suggested to the association I would give as much help as possible,” he said yesterday. “Now, with this appointment, I hope to be more positive.’,’ Following the likes of Gary Pettis, the previous coach, will be a hard act to follow, according to Mr Mair. “Gary had a lot of success, champion team in 1986, second the following year and close to the finals this year.”

Mr Mair has still to formulate a player-

playing policy tor next season. “I have a lot of players to talk to as well as former coaches and people close to the league in recent years,” he said. “It may take a week or two to finalise a programme, and the opinions of individuals will be taken into account.” • In past seasons only one trial has been held for Canterbury selection and that, usually, was in early January. Mr Mair plans a series of trials, four, perhaps, five “to give everybody a go.” Also, he wants offseason programmes for ■ players with league intentions.

Mr Berry, often a volatile coach and referee, usually achieves good results amid the odd controversy.

Mr Berry, aged 33, of Christchurch, a product of Xavier College, has taken lowly-ranked teams to improved positions and has mixed every aspect of the sport with intenseness and a touch of humour over a 15-year stint. Mr Bishop has been appointed the coach of the Canterbury under 23 men’s team and Mr Quarles will have a similar role with the under 20 side. Other appoingnents have yet to be confirmed.