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NBA NEWS - Mayor of London and Basketball England launch collaboration to develop next generation of coaches in London

The initiative will provide participating coaches with the tools, techniques and strategies to help the coaches enhance their basketball player development philosophy - THIS DAY IN THE NBA

LONDON - (NBA)

Tuesday March 14, 2023

The National Basketball Association (NBA), the Mayor of London and Basketball England today announced the launch of the “London Coaches Program,” a collaboration to develop the next generation of basketball coaches in England’s capital. The London Coaches Program, which is open to aspiring London-based coaches ages 16-30, aims to engage hundreds of coaches who will in turn reach thousands of young players across the city in the coming years.

The initiative will provide participating coaches with the tools, techniques and strategies to help the coaches enhance their basketball player development philosophy.

The announcement was made today at a launch event in London by London Mayor Sadiq Khan and NBA Europe and Middle East Managing Director Ralph Rivera, who were joined by Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer and 11-time NBA All-Star Allen Iverson. The event welcomed more than 200 aspiring coaches and local basketball stakeholders, along with 20 local school children who took part in on-court activities led by Iverson.

“I am delighted to be working with the NBA and Basketball England to fund this life-changing opportunity to London’s next generation of basketball coaches,” said Khan. “These coaches will not only help unearth the next generation of London basketball stars, but will act as mentors and role models in their communities as they utilise the power of sport to change lives for the better. London is now the sporting capital of the world, from grassroots to the elite level and it all starts with our top talent receiving the best possible coaching. I look forward to seeing the results of this collaboration in the months and years to come as we help build a better London for everyone.”

“Basketball is of immense value to society, providing support and direction for many, including those from underserved communities,” said Basketball England CEO Stewart Kellett. “We are proud to be working alongside the NBA and the Mayor of London to deliver this programme and train a cohort of great basketball coaches that can change and positively influence not only their own lives, but the lives of thousands of young Londoners.”

“Collaborating with Mayor Khan and Basketball England to train the next generation of coaches in London is a logical next step in our ongoing efforts to grow basketball at the grassroots level in England,” said Rivera. “High-quality coaching is critical in getting more youth to learn and play the game the right way, and the London Coaches Program will give coaches the tools, resources, and techniques they need to grow interest and participation in their local communities. We thank Mayor Khan and Basketball England for their support and belief in the impact this program can have on elevating the sport.”

The London Coaches Program will tip off in Spring 2023 and will be led by a dedicated Program Director who will be announced in the coming months. The curriculum, which includes in-person and virtual training sessions such as Q&As with NBA coaching staff, as well as a mentoring component, was developed by the NBA’s International Basketball Operations department in consultation with current and former NBA coaches, Basketball England and Mayor Khan’s office. Over the course of the free program, participants will receive a Basketball England Community Coach Education and Qualification, license and insurance, as well as first aid training, mental health and welfare education, access to NBA and Basketball England resources and more. Aspiring coaches can register their interest to take part in the program here.

A 14-year NBA veteran, Iverson led the NBA in scoring four times and led the league in steals three times. He was named the NBA Most Valuable Player in 2001 and went on to be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016 and named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team prior to the 2021-22 season.

THIS DAY IN THE NBA

March 14, 1954 Baltimore dropped a 65-54 decision at Milwaukee, giving the Bullets their 20th consecutive road loss for the season, and making them the only team in NBA history to go an entire season without winning a game on the road.

March 14, 1960 Philadelphia rookie Wilt Chamberlain scored a then NBA Playoff record 53 points in the Warriors’ 132-112 win over Syracuse in the third and deciding game of the Eastern Division Semifinals.

March 14, 1962 In Philadelphia’s 119-115 OT win at Chicago, Wilt Chamberlain completed his banner regular season of setting records that still stand by averaging 50.4 points and 48.5 minutes per game. He also set the single game scoring record when he scored 100 points on March 2 against New York.

March 14, 1963 San Francisco guard Guy Rodgers handed out 28 assists in a 114-109 loss to St. Louis, matching what was at the time an NBA record. It is now tied for the third-highest total in NBA history.

March 14, 1965 The Boston Celtics became the first NBA team to reach 61 wins in a season, following a 106-98 win over San Francisco, led by Bill Russell’s 40 rebounds and 20 points. Boston finished the 1964-65 season with 62 wins.

March 14, 1986 Forward Rod Higgins became the first player in NBA history to play for four teams in the same season when he took the court for Chicago. He previously played for Seattle, San Antonio and New Jersey.

March 14, 1991 John MacLeod, by virtue of New York’s 125-121 double-overtime win over Miami at Madison Square Garden, became the eighth coach in league history to reach the 700-win mark for his career.

March 14, 1996 San Antonio’s Chuck Person connects on seven three-pointers in 12 attempts, becoming the fourth NBA player to hit 1,000 career three-pointers, as the Spurs defeat visiting Miami 120-100.

March 14, 1998 Charles Barkley cracked the all-time Top 10 in FT's made when he made seven to pass Wilt Chamberlain (6,057) with 6,059 free throws made.