Former Illawarra Hawks coach Rob Beveridge return to the sidelines as coach of the SIT Zero Fees Southland Sharks in 2021.
Beveridge had signed on to coach the team last season but after arriving in New Zealand the competition was impacted due to COVID-19 and he was forced to return to Australia before the season started.
Beveridge coached over 300 games in the NBL and guided the Perth Wildcats to an NBL championship in 2010.
“We were so excited to sign Bevo for the 2020 season and of course really disappointed that the season did not pan out as planned. Naturally, it was our dream that he would still be keen and be able to return for 2021, so now we have that confirmed, together we can finish what we started 12 months ago.” said Sharks general manager Jill Bolger.
“To say he’s a quality coach is an understatement. Bevo has great relationships with players and operates as a people-first operator, which first perfectly into our organisations,” Bolger said.
While Beveridge has spoken publicly about being disillusioned and conflicted with basketball after his experience with the Illawarra Hawks former ownership he feels coaching the Sharks will no doubt reinvigorate his passion for the game.
“2020 certainly has been an extremely challenging time for everyone and in particular for my family and I. We are extremely grateful to Jill Bolger, (Sharks’ chairperson) Nick Jeffrey and the Southland Basketball and Sharks Boards for the support that they provided in what was a difficult year.”
“I have always said that I only want to work with an organisation that is professional and that looks after its staff, players, sponsors, fans and within the community. Although I was only in Invercargill for a short period, it was clear that the Sharks and the Southland Basketball community of Southland were going to be a great fit for me.”
“It was a really easy decision for me to decide to come back to coach the Southland Sharks in 2021 in the NZNBL and I am really excited to get back to start recruiting and coaching a team that everyone will be proud of. I look forward to seeing everyone in 2021,” Beveridge said.
The Sharks reached the NZNBL playoffs behind the high calibre play of Todd Blanchfield, Jarrad Weeks and Hyrum Harris who both played under Beveridge at Illawarra in the NBL. It’s hoped “Bevo” will be able to secure all three players and recruit some additional NBL talent to play in the 2021 Sal’s New Zealand National Basketball League.
The 2021 Sal’s New Zealand National Basketball League is scheduled to tip-off on April 24th, with 10 teams participating. Finals are scheduled for late July.