REDLANDS PCYC basketball programs are back better than ever in 2012 thanks to the return of two former coaches for the senior men's and women's teams.
Coaches Chris Smith and Jason Lavender said they were revved up and ready to pursue their assault on the 2012 Basketball Queensland Southern Development League by "only planning to taste glory".
After assisting the Men's D League team with coaching for three years, Mr Smith will now bring his 26 years of basketball playing and coaching experience to the role of head coach of the men's team.
Mr Smith helped produce six wins in 2011 with the Men's D League team, a huge improvement from previous seasons.
"The highlight for last season for me was our game against the New Caledonian Men's National Team, where our guys matched it against professional players from the French National League," he said.
"As well, just to see so much interest and excitement from the community through the season. We had bigger, more supportive crowds than some QBL (Queensland Basketball League) teams."
With trials slated to start in early February, the team has already been bolstered by the signing of last season's top scorer Jordan Teo, currently playing in the US.
"I hope to retain the stronger players from our group last year, but also intend to improve on the areas where we were not as good as we could be," he said.
"Off the court, getting the men's team more involved in the Redlands PCYC junior club and rep programs will be hugely important for the future of basketball in the Redlands."
after a 14-year hiatus, women's team coach Jason Lavender is back with the Redland Rockets, having previously led several junior girls' teams to finals appearances in BSQ and State Championships.
He then moved his coaching career by spending lengthy stints with South West Metro Pirates and Southern District Spartans.
"For me, this opportunity is like returning home. I loved my time coaching at the PCYC; I have some great memories and friends from those days," he said.
Mr Lavender's return comes after a successful 2011 season where he built the profile of female basketball in Caboolture as the head coach of the Suns D League Women's Team and assistant coach of the QBL women's team.
"The experience was invaluable, especially at the QBL level, being able to coach women who have played (for and against) at an NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association), Women's National Basketball League and international level," he said.
Mr Lavender said 2012 was shaping up to be an exciting year for the women's program, with two young players with QBL experience joining the program.
Players will also have the opportunity to work with Acceleration, former Cairns Taipans and the current Logan Thunder Women's National Basketball League strength and conditioning coach Byron Williams.
The Redlands PCYC D League programs will seek sponsorship from within the community, so businesses that are interested in being a part of these proactive and healthy programs are asked to contact Mr Lavander at the PCYC on 3245 4639.
Mr Lavender said trials for the Redlands PCYC Women's D League would start on Sunday, January 29 at 9am.
For more information phone the PCYC on 3245 4639 or email the basketball manager Kirsten on kirsten.demarchi@pcyc.org.au.
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