Toronto Raptors assistant coach Phil Handy has explained why he chose to be involved in the establishment of the Melbourne United Basketball Academy.
United launched the initiative earlier this month, a program which the club says will help young basketballers aged 12 or over to “enhance not only their basketball skills, but their overall strength, conditioning and wellness as an athlete”.
Handy has been a prominent player development figure amongst NBA circles since 2011, and can’t wait to assist the next wave of Australian basketballers.
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“(United CEO) Vince (Crivelli) definitely had a vision,” Handy told SEN’s The Sporting Capital.
“It was something we spoke about over the summer, really just trying to help basketball overall in Australia improve and what was a foundational way we could do that.
“We talked about starting up an academy here in Melbourne that would really help some of the younger players and coaches.
“When I think of the word academy, it is not just for the players, it is also coaches becoming better coaches and better teachers of the game.
“I thought this was a great opportunity, great timing, Melbourne United won a championship last year, so the buzz around the city is good.
“This is a good time to infuse more of a basketball culture in and around the city to help young players get better and help young coaches get better.”