McKinnon Cougars Welcome Back Basketball Development Team for 2025
We are thrilled to announce the re-hire of our incredible Basketball Development Team for the upcoming 2024/2025 season. The McKinnon Basketball Association (MBA) is proud to have this dedicated group of professionals back on board to continue their outstanding work in developing our players and coaches.
A Year of Success
Under their guidance, the McKinnon Cougars have celebrated an unprecedented year of accomplishments. Our players have reached new heights, and our teams have showcased remarkable performances on the court. This success is a testament to the hard work and expertise of our Basketball Development Team, whose commitment to excellence has been a cornerstone of our achievements.
Celebrating a Record-Breaking Year
Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our Basketball Development Team, the McKinnon Cougars have achieved their highest-performing year ever. Highlights include:
8 Teams Qualifying for VC: A record number of our teams have qualified for the Victorian Championship, the highest level of competition in the state.
State Team Selections: We are proud to have 4 players and a coach selected for state teams, showcasing the exceptional talent within our ranks.
FDP and SDP Selections: We have seen record-high selections for the Future Development Program (FDP) and the State Development Program (SDP), reflecting our strong developmental pathways.
Higher Grading in VJBL teams: The McKinnon Cougars have graded higher in each age group than any other year on average.
Meet the Team
Nathan Geer - Basketball Development Manager Nathan Geer is at the helm of all basketball development at the MBA. His visionary leadership and strategic planning have been instrumental in elevating our programs. Nathan's role encompasses the overall development of players and coaches within our VJBL and Big V programs through meticulous program design, effective delivery, and continuous feedback and support.
Darren Anderson - Director of Coaching Darren Anderson a FIBA Accredited Coach Educator and a “Grassroots Development Expert” (1 of only 4 in the world), leads our coach development initiatives, ensuring that our coaching staff, from Aussie Hoops and Domestic to VJBL, are equipped with the best tools, resources, and courses. Darren's dedication to fostering a strong coaching community has been pivotal in enhancing the quality of coaching across all levels of competition.
Daniel Gianchino - Head Coach of VJBL Boys Daniel Gianchino spearheads the VJBL Boys program. His expertise and hands-on approach have driven the success of our boys' teams, nurturing young talent and guiding them to excel in their basketball journeys. Daniel's commitment to player development is unmatched, and his impact is evident in the growth and performance of our VJBL Boys.
Peter Kotaridis - Head Coach of VJBL Girls Peter Kotaridis leads the VJBL Girls program with unwavering dedication. His leadership has been crucial in developing our female athletes, providing them with the skills and confidence to succeed on and off the court. Peter's passion for the game and his focus on holistic player development have made a significant difference in our girls' teams.
“As we move into the 2024/2025 season, we are confident that our Basketball Development Team will continue to drive excellence and foster a culture of growth and success. Their collective expertise and commitment to our players and coaches are the foundation of our program's achievements” - Anita Ledger, General Manager.
Join us in celebrating the return of Nathan, Darren, Daniel, and Peter as they continue to shape the future of high-performance at the McKinnon Basketball Association. We look forward to another year of outstanding development and success under their leadership.
Join us as a vjbl coach!
We are always on the lookout for passionate and dedicated coaches to join our VJBL program. If you are interested in making a significant impact on the development of young athletes and being part of a dynamic team who are moving the game forward, we invite you to express your interest by filling out our Expression of Interest (EOI) form by clicking the button below.