Kiwi great extends deal
Cameron excited by new role at Hillcrest
HILLCREST Christian College have pulled off a major coup, signing newly appointed New Zealand head coach Pero Cameron for a further three years.
Fresh off taking out the girls championship division at the Champion Basketball Schools Queensland competition, Hillcrest have secured Cameron’s services for a further three years as head of basketball development, a slight role change after working with the girls team for the past few years.
“It’s a bit of a role change but it’s something I really enjoy,” Cameron, 45, said.
“I’m really looking forward to the challenge.
“I think that our basketball program is one of the best in the country.”
Cameron first joined Hillcrest as a volunteer before progressing into a coaching role.
Cameron’s playing career included captaining the national team, two Olympics, three world championships, one of which was highlighted with the Tall Blacks making the semi-final and Cameron being named in the tournament starting five (2002) as the only non-NBA player.
He has played the third most games for the Tall Blacks and was inducted into the FIBA hall of Fame in 2017.
The current Gold Coast Basketball coaching and player development officer, who helped guide the Gold Coast Waves to an under-14 national title, said that there was still a lot to achieve before his time at Hillcrest drew to a close.
“We have lots of goals and mission statements that we want to achieve,” he said.
“It’s not all about titles for us. We want to help develop individuals and help kids understand that going to college is within their sights.”
Hillcrest principal Jeff Davis said Cameron’s continued contribution to the school’s basketball program was invaluable.