Newcastle has been included in the NBL 1 East competition for 2022.
The Broadmeadow-based club is fielding both a men’s and women’s team next year, in the competition replacing the Basketball NSW Waratah League.
Reputed as being the birthplace of the NBL, the former steel city is looking to once again cement its name within the world’s third most popular sport.
The NBL1 East competition is set to start in April and will allow NSW to fall into line with other Australian states that have already joined forces with the privately owned NBL by playing in the second-tier NBL1 competition.
Victoria has been playing under the NBL1 South banner since 2019, while Queensland (NBL1 North), Western Australia (NBL1 West) and South Australia (NBL1 Central) joined forces with the NBL in 2020.
Newcastle Basketball recently announced its NBL 1 East competition coaches; Peter Astley will oversee the men’s team and Chloe Mullaney will mentor the women’s.
While the pair remain tight-lipped about who will wear the team jersey, they did hint that they’d received significant interest from overseas players.
“We’re still finalising player rosters for both our men’s and women’s teams for the 2022 season, it’s still a long way off as we haven’t even held selection trials yet, but we’ve received overseas interest,” Astley said.
“It has to be right for the club, and we have plenty of local talent who should be given the opportunity, so we’ll be looking at what compliments the team.”
Newcastle Basketball will be beginning senior and junior representative trials in coming weeks.
To find out more about the city’s newest coaches, the Newcastle Weekly sat them down to ask them a few questions, preparing them for media jobs come April.
Describe your coaching style:
Peter: “Offensive sells tickets and defence wins championship”, Team Focused, Mentor, Inclusive, Passionate.
Chloe: “Easy going, Easy to talk to but firm when needed to be.”
What is the best thing about coaching basketball?
Peter: “My passion for the sport developed from a young age watching and being around my uncle, Paul Beale, who both played the game and was an official (referee) at the NBL and international level. Paul was my first ever coach when I played and from these early interactions my desire to be involved with this great club and sport began.
“I have been fortunate to have spent time with some exceptional individuals, coaches, players and officials, and the lifelong friends that I have made through the sport is priceless.
“Creating an environment where teams and individuals can strive towards achieving their goals and continually improve on their game – being a part of that is extremely rewarding.
Chloe: “I love seeing players strive to hit their potential, it’s so rewarding being involved in each player’s journey whether it’s at junior or senior level.”
What is the worst thing about coaching basketball?
Peter: “Challenges present themselves but if you take them head-on with a constructive, positive outlook, every situation that may seem like a negative is actually a learning experience and makes you stronger.”
Chloe: “Any training sessions scheduled to finish after 9pm.”
What are you hoping to achieve by the end of the season?
Peter: “Success is measured in very different ways, everyone wants to win but it will be the character and commitment we play the game with, and how we represent the Newcastle community that is extremely important to me.”
Chloe: “I’m hoping to have a successful season whether it’s in the form of winning or most importantly player development.”
Is there a rule in basketball that has always frustrated you, either as a player or as a coach?
Peter: “Rules and the interpretation of them, are something we as coaches and athletes must always be adaptable to. Control what you can and always respect all aspects of our game.”
Chloe: “To be honest I haven’t really had a rule that has frustrated me as a player or a coach.”
What made you put your hand up for this role?
Peter: “Great challenge and opportunity to be a part of the NBL1 competition and work with the club and athletes as the sport continues to grow in the region.”
Chloe: “Newcastle Basketball continues to produce extremely talented female basketballers and to be able to offer them great pathways is something I’m honoured to be involved with. This was a decision I didn’t need to think about.”
For more stories like this:
- Newcastle Basketball breaking junior records
- Newcastle Basketball referee at Tokyo Olympics
- Family legacy drives basketballer
- Trailblazer remembers first international basketball tour
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