Sharks thrilled Beveridge back as coach

THE Southland Sharks have confirmed coach Rob Beveridge will be back next year.

The Australian had been set to coach the team in this year’s National Basketball League, but it did not end up playing in the competition which was revamped due to Covid19.

Beveridge brings considerable experience, having coached more than 300 games in the Australian NBL, including winning the title in 2010 with the Perth Wildcats.

He said it was an easy decision to return, having felt in his brief time in Invercargill this year that the Sharks were a good fit for him.

Sharks general manager Jill Bolger added she was thrilled to get Beveridge back for next year.

The Tall Blacks will not play their matches scheduled for Friday and Monday.

They had been set to host Hong Kong and Australia as part of the Asia Cup qualifying matches.

However, restrictions on travelling in and out of New Zealand meant they could not be played in the country.

Playing outside New Zealand was not a possibility either.

Government advice had been not to send the team overseas.

If Basketball New Zealand had, the Tall Blacks would have been forced to quarantine for 14 days on return after just two games.

BBNZ hopes to be able to play the next round of games in February.

Several other teams are also not playing their November games due to Covid19 restrictions.