The Central Coast Crusaders have named their NBL1 coaches for the 2023 season.
Tim Hudson has been named head coach for the NBL1 Men’s team while Mikko Von Lueders will be returning as the NBL1 Women’s head coach.
Hudson is a long-standing member of Central Coast Basketball and has a wealth of coaching knowledge.
He has previously coached multiple years for the Crusaders and his experience even extends to the Sydney Kings where he was appointed assistant coach back in 2012.
“This is a rare and unique opportunity for our team, club, and region to compete for a national title,” he said.
“Our club has done an incredible job of building home grown talent over many years with many great coaches contributing to that.
“I intend to do all I can to continue that growth.”
Von Lueders will continue to foster a positive basketball culture in 2023 when he returns as NBL1 Women’s head coach.
“Having an NBL1 team on the Central Coast opens so many opportunities for our representative women who would normally have to travel away from the Coast to play at a high level,” he said.
“In 2023, I’m hoping to continue developing a strong playing group who have a bright future ahead of them.
“There is no greater privilege than to coach a group of athletes who strive for greatness.
“I am very grateful to have the opportunity to be a Crusader.”
The teams will compete in the NBL1 East League, which includes teams from across the east coast of NSW.
There is a strong sense of community spirit in the teams as many players have represented the Central Coast in basketball from a young age, playing in the Central Coast Rebels representative program.
The Central Coast Crusaders have also named their head coaches for the Waratah Youth League.
Life member Chris Ohlback is set to become head coach of the Youth League Men Division 1.
He has brought home multiple State Championship banners for the Crusaders, leading the Waratah League Championship Men’s team to victory in 2019.
The Youth League Men Division 2 team will be coached by Richard Marsters, who has previously coached Basketball NSW high performance programs.
For the Waratah League Youth Women’s team, Losalini Katia will make her coaching debut.
She has played in the Crusaders program for many years and was an integral part of the NBL1 Women’s team in 2022.
“Basketball is very much like life, where you have your ups and downs,” she said.
“I think the sport is a great tool to teach young girls about life.
“I’m super honoured and excited for the opportunity to mentor and outstanding group of athletes.”
The Crusaders 2023 season kicks off on March 11, 2023.
To find out more about the Central Coast Crusaders, visit www.ccbasketball.com.au/crusaders/.
Source:
Media release, Dec 8
Central Coast Basketball