College coach nets top basketball award
09 May 2022
Christ’s College Senior A Basketball Coach Ben Sheat has been named Coach of the Year at the Basketball New Zealand Awards.
The awards were announced in Wellington on Saturday evening, with Ben being recognised as the Keith Mair Male Coach of the Year for his outstanding achievements with the Canterbury U17 team and the College A side, along with his role with the Canterbury Rams.
“I am really grateful for the award, and to the players, College and everyone who has given me the opportunity to coach at the top A level,” Ben says. “I believe the award also acknowledges the challenges of the past few years and highlights the importance of perseverance and staying focused.”
A Physical Education teacher at College, Ben has coached the A team to the Canterbury title for the past two years, landing its first-ever regional title in 2020. Unfortunately, Covid-19 has ended hopes of a national title in recent years.
However, Ben believes the College A team is on track for nationals this year.
“We have a very exciting team this season and remain determined to compete for a national title this year,” he says.
Ben also coached the Canterbury U17 team – featuring four College players – to the national title last year. He has been interim Coach for the Canterbury Rams in the National Basketball League, picking up a big win this month before returning to the Assistant Coach role, and a former Head Coach of the Mainland Eagles Academy.
Long-term, a senior coaching role with the Tall Blacks is part of his game plan.
