Breakers’ visit a boon for fans and coaches
Coming from provincial New Zealand, Breakers’ assistant coach Zico Coronel knows the importance of exposing youngsters to high-level sport.
Which is why he sees a real benefit in bringing Sky Sport New Zealand Breakers games to places such as Taranaki, where he is from.
The Breakers are playing the Sydney Kings at New Plymouth’s TSB Stadium tomorrow. This follows a coaches’ clinic, which Coronel is hosting, between 3pm and 4pm today.
Tomorrow night is a ‘‘great opportunity to see a world-class’’ match, Coronel said, as the Sydney Kings are at the top of the National Basketball League table.
However, the New Zealand team is in eighth place following two losses in the past week.
‘‘It’s always exciting to challenge yourself,’’ Coronel said.
Plus, bringing players who are close to the top in the world in front of eager young basketballers helps ‘‘have that motivation to see what could be possible’’.
‘‘It’s quite critical for growing a youth population.’’
The coaches’ clinic, which Sport Taranaki has organised, is also helpful for the provinces in Coronel’s eyes.
He said the session isn’t basketball specific and invites all coaches at all levels to come along.
He has done many sessions in his time, since becoming a coach
Zico Coronel
‘‘It’s always exciting to challenge yourself.’’
in 1999, and thinks they’re beneficial.
‘‘It’s very interesting to think about coaching and how to get the best out of people.’’
He has a few key things to share at the session, but plans to open up a question and answer session after that.
A team training session and meet and greet will take place afterward.
Although he’s from New Plymouth, Coronel no longer lives in the city.
‘‘It’s one sacrifice you make being involved in high-level sport.’’
So Coronel’s ‘‘really looking forward to it’’.
‘‘Hopefully the weather’s good.’’