Damian Cotter coaches Bay of Plenty reps

Tauranga City Basketball's young rep players got a rare opportunity last week to gain some insights from one of the world's most revered coaches.

Australian Damian Cotter has coached all around the world, with small group sessions like he ran at Aquinas College gym on Friday his speciality.

Cotter, 45, is a former head coach of the Sydney Kings and was assistant coach of the Australian Opals at last year's Olympics. He has been closely involved in the development of three NBA champions in Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova and Patty Mills.

The importance of grasping the small technical details that make a free throw stick and the value of hard work were drummed into the players.

Cotter rated former Cleveland Cavalier and newly signed member of the Milwaukee Bucks, Matthew Dellavedova, as the hardest working player he ever coached - a point his young charges took notice of.

Cotter said he came to Tauranga because Tauranga City Basketball was doing a great job.

He was a special guest with American coaching legend Jim Foster at the Mel Young Easter Basketball Classic held at four venues in Tauranga that attracted 133 teams.

"I am here under the recommendation of close friends that have great experiences here in the past. It is really simply that, and my experience has been consistent with my colleagues that have followed before me," Cotter said.

"The tournament was just great. I think it is a wonderful initiative that the organisers of the tournament, led by (Tauranga City Basketball general manager) Mark Rogers, made it not just about the players being educated but about the coaches, score bench officials and referees.

"It is so unique. I have never seen such an innovative tournament to help the game grow in so many different ways. I will be recommending clubs in Australia to get over here in years to come."

Contrary to widespread views Cotter did not think New Zealand was lagging behind Australia.

"There is a lot of talent here. You have a player in the NBA (Steven Adams) and a former great player in Sean Marks who was GM of a team, and there are some really great kids playing at high-level college basketball.

"New Zealand have been coming closer and closer. Some of the initiatives they have done with embracing the three on three concept have really helped. In recent times the under-18 men's team has beaten Australia."

Rogers is understandably proud of how well the Easter tournament went down.

"The fact we have international teams now wanting to come next year shows the tournament definitely has credibility as a great event. The feedback we get is awesome from all the people that are participating, so I am really pleased with how it all went," he said.

"Our coaches being able to interact with Damian and Jim's calibre is amazing. The fact they are willing to come and share with coaches in New Zealand is such a great thing, and we are really privileged.

"Our coaches are really buzzing about the opportunity, and for the kids getting coached over the last few days by them, it is a lifetime experience."