The Australian Institute of Sport has just named Ian Stacker as the Head Coach of their Men’s program. He come into the role as a highly respected nurturer of young basketball talent, with well-regarded technical skills.
Stacker has been known to rub some people in the Australian basketball fraternity the wrong way, but clearly politics did not get in the way in this instance.
One area in particular that Stacker can no doubt help young Aussie players with is career progression. Clearly in recent years, the decisions of promising young Australian basketballers have been varied and questionable. The decision-making process on whether to attend College in the States, play in Europe or the NBL and when to nominate for the NBA Draft has been a contentious one for many. Some young Boomers have been successful in their progression to the NBA, whilst the timing of others’ choices could be second-guessed with 20-20 hindsight.
Guidance from wise old heads who have seen the process (as Stacker did in overseeing Brad Newley‘s American travels) will be invaluable for AIS kids looking to take the next step with their careers.
Of course, this does not understate the importance of Stacker on the basketball court in the here and now for the AIS. His technical skills and experience are unquestionably vast, making him a wise choice by the AIS.
The press release from Basketball Australia / Australian Sports Commission follows:
The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has continued its tradition of employing excellence by appointing Ian Stacker as head coach of the AIS Men’s Basketball Program.
Stacker, who was Basketball Victoria State Director of Coaching for 12 years, has spent the past three seasons as assistant coach at the Melbourne Tigers. Previously he was head coach of NBL franchises the Townsville Crocodiles and the Geelong Supercats.
Stacker was also head coach of the triumphant Australian under-23 team that won gold at the 1997 World Championships in Melbourne.
Stacker said he was delighted to be given the opportunity to work at arguably the best sporting institution in the world.
‘The AIS is regarded throughout the world as being at the forefront of elite athlete development and the Institute’s basketball program is testament to that reputation,’ Stacker said.
‘I’m looking forward to helping build Australia’s future in the basketball arena through the development of talented junior players.’
AIS Director Professor Peter Fricker said Stacker was well equipped to take the Institute’s men’s basketball program forward through his vast experience and expertise.
‘Ian is one of Australia’s outstanding coaches who will help build on the strength of a world class basketball program,’ Professor Fricker said.
‘With an intimate knowledge of Australia’s elite basketball pathways he is well placed to guide Australia’s talented young athletes in their quest for excellence.’
‘The AIS, through the partnership between the Australian Sports Commission and Basketball Australia, continues to help strengthen Australian basketball through the development of talented young athletes.’
‘The Institute’s proud record of developing players such as Andrew Bogut, Nathan Jawai and Patrick Mills is testimony to the quality of the program.’
Basketball Chief Executive Larry Sengstock welcomed the appointment of Stacker.
‘The quality of the applicants for this position was truly exceptional, with some top Australian and international coaches considered for the position,’ Sengstock said. ‘Ultimately, Ian’s extensive experience and demonstrated success made him the preferred candidate and it is a selection that Basketball Australia is only too happy to endorse.’
