The Waikato Titans coach for the 2005 National Basketball League (NBL) season could be announced as soon as the end of the month.
Applications close on Friday.
Ken Strother, who led the Titans to a 10-8 record this year 2004, announced earlier that he would not seek reappointment because of the high number of Sunday games involved in the league. He is a Mormon.
While not releasing names or details of the applications, Waikato Basketball chief executive officer John Davey said nine had applied for the job.
"What we'd be prepared to say is that we have a total of nine applications, of which three are from the US, and it also includes coaches that have either coached in the NBL this year or in previous years.
"It's an extremely strong line-up."
Believed to be among the candidates are Auckland Stars assistant Tim McTamney, the director of sport at Hamilton Boys' High, and Titans assistant Steve Agnew.
Copies of the candidates' applications will be given to members of the executive this week, with the board due to meet late next week to short-list candidates for interviews.
The coaching appointment would allow the Titans franchise to finalise player contracts for 2005, he said.
Only Tall Black captain Pero Cameron is officially signed for next season.
Davey confirmed that a major player signing had been completed over the weekend, with details not being released until the player involved had informed his present NBL club.
"We've already made one key signing outside this season's squad, which we're very excited about," Davey said.
"It's a major signing for us... and will help us in an area we were lacking last season."
Most of the 2004 Titans, including NBL-scoring leader Geordie Cullen and American Mike Chappell, are likely to play again for the club.
- NZPA
Basketball: Search continues for Titans coach
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