The following is being distributed at the request of Sport Newfoundland and Labrador:

Championship basketball coaches clinic

World renowned basketball coach and commentator Hubie Brown will host a championship coaches clinic on October 12 and 13 in St. John's. The Newfoundland and Labrador Basketball Association is delighted to sponsor this clinic designed for male and female coaches of all abilities.

George Power, the president of NLBA, recently attended a clinic in Toronto. He and the other Newfoundland coaches in his contingent were blown away by Coach Brown's knowledge, perception and presentation. More than one participant said that the coach made a two-hour presentation seem like 10 minutes. Power wasn't content with one clinic and he managed to convince the basketball guru to come to our province. Power said: "It is our intention to develop basketball to its highest level. We owe it to our coaches to pursue highly skilled clinicians to help us achieve that goal. What I like about Coach Brown specifically, however, is that he reaches out to, and communicates with, coaches at all levels of experience. We feel that this clinic and the format we have established will appeal to all our coaches, no matter what level or ability they coach."

Coach Hubie Brown has an enviable resume. He is a former coach of the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks. For the last 11 years he has been an analyst for Turner Sports. He is one of the most sought after coaches on the planet, having coached at the college, professional and Olympic levels. 

In addition to Coach Brown, the clinic boasts four more outstanding coaches: Doug Partridge, MUN's female Sea-Hawks varsity coach; Todd Aughey, MUN's male Sea-Hawks varsity coach; Doc Ryan, St. Francis Xavier female varsity coach; and Tom Kendall, former winner of three CIAU national female championships and currently director of athletics and recreation at St. Francis Xavier University.

Sessions will begin on Friday, October 12, at 6:00 and run until 10:00p.m.. On Saturday, October 13, sessions will run from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. NLBA Executive Director Bill Murphy said: "It is not our intention to make money at this clinic. The goal is to pay expenses associated with the program. The good news is that the cost of the whole program is $50 if a coach registers before October 1, or $60 after that date. Players from school teams may attend for a mere $20. Obviously, if the response is overwhelming, we will have to limit space."

All sessions will take place in the MUN gymnasium and will utilize experienced players. Coaches will be miked and basketball note pads will be provided to participants.

Corporate sponsors include the provincial government, The Investors Group, the Avalon Convention and Visitors Bureau, Memorial University, M5 Advertising, Pepsi and Nike Canada. 

Media contact: Bill Murphy (709) 576-0247 or Project Coordinator Bill Brophy at (709) 364-7193.

2001 10 01                                  5:05 p.m.