Indications are, for the first time, that New Zealand will face qualification for the under-17 world championships through Asia, greatly enhancing their chances of progressing after decades of frustration against the powerful Australians.
"If this happens, we will never have a better opportunity to qualify for the world junior championships in our own right," Potter said.
Between them, Vickerman, Cameron and Flavell have won the last four National Basketball League championships and Henare has coached Hawkes Bay to the last two semifinals and to the 2011 final.
Fitchett played much of his NBL and international career as point guard under Tall Blacks coach Nenad Vucinic, essentially a mentoring relationship.
Until now, national coaches have usually come through representative tournaments and development camps.
"Those are still very important pathways for our coaches," Potter said. "We believe those association coaches have a lot to offer our junior programme and they'll get their chance as assistants with the national teams."
The women's appointments still reflect that traditional route but BBNZ hope to attract more former Tall Ferns into the coaching ranks after retirement.
Head coaching positions for 2013:
Men
Universities - Dean Vickerman
U20 - Pero Cameron
U18 - Judd Flavell
U17 - Paul Henare
U16 - Mike Fitchett
Women
Universities - Tania Hunter
U20 - Sean Fuller
U18 - Brent Matehaere
U17 - Aik Ho
U16 - James McGilvary
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