Basketball Hawthorn and Hawthorn Junior Magic are excited to announce the details of a new Coaching Framework for the forthcoming VJBL season. The new structure will enhance the programs ability to support and develop all coaches and athletes.
The current COVID pandemic has created an opportunity for the Association to review all aspects of its operations, and identify new areas of innovation, efficiency, and enhancement to meet the growing and changing expectations of the modern athlete and coach.
The new structure will incorporate several new positions, including the first-time position of Program Coach Coordinator, along with several Specialist Skills Coaches, whilst embracing the roles and responsibilities of key paid administration positions.
The Program will continue to be led by Head of Basketball, Dion Jewell and Magic Administrator, Luke Lehmann, whilst a new Magic Committee (governance) structure with renewed purpose, will help provide additional support and assistance to ensure the Program remains an innovative leader within the basketball community now and into the future.
The Program Coach Coordinator position will create a singular conduit between coaches, committee, and administration, and provide quality support for all coaches. The Specialists Skills Coaches will provide focused and dedicated on-court resources at levels that has never been seen before by conducting individual and squad-based development sessions, providing mentorship to both athletes and coaches, and continuing the assist with the overall implementation of the Magic Style of Play, all of which was difficult to practically deliver under the old traditional model.
Jewell, is excited about the restructure and the subsequent benefits for all coaches and athletes.
“It will provide our coaches and athletes with greater access to experienced and qualified coaches, and basketball people to enhance development opportunities and obtain greater assistance and direction with the implementation of our Magic Style of Play”.
“To have the ability to put more coaches on court to work extremely closely with our athletes is a great step forward for our Program”, said Jewell.
The restructure means the old Boys and Girls Program Head Coach positions and responsibilities will be restructured and distributed within the new Framework. Therefore, the long-term tenures of Shawn King and Michael Dimattina in the aforementioned positions will come to an end ahead of the upcoming season.
Under the old structure, and guidance from Shawn and Michael, the Program has had unprecedented growth and success, including the creation of a coaching grid that is the envy of many other Associations.
Jewell was very thankful for the contribution of both individuals.
“Michael has been with the Program nearing a decade, whilst he has held down the Girls Program Head Coach position for the last 5 years. He will leave the role knowing that the Program is well placed for the future and he has been an integral part of making the program a success”.
“Michael has built up so much rapport with the coaching group and respect amongst the broader basketball community, he has always attacked his role with great passion and enthusiasm, in particular when it comes to the female game, and has always gone over and above for the Magic family”.
“The Magic Program will always be indebted to Michael and his family for his contribution to the Program and making it into what it is today”, said Jewell.
“Shawn has also been with the Magic Program over a number of years and has used his ability to connect and build relationships to his benefit and the benefit of the Program”.
“Shawn has a great knowledge of the game and has a strong passion for the development of young athlete and coaches “, said Jewell.
With the new coaching framework announced, we are proud to inform you that Shawn King has been appointed to the newly created Program Coach Coordinator position ahead of the upcoming VJBL season.
“I am very excited to have Shawn with us for the 2020/2021 VJBL Season and in the new role as Program Coach Coordinator. It was extremely crucial for us to keep a familiar face in the role”.
“I believe with his skill set and understanding of the program in its entirety, this is a great start to our new structure and staff announcements. I am really looking forward to working closely with Shawn over the next 12 months”, Jewell said.
After learning about his appointment, King was “delighted, honoured and privileged to be appointed to the new role”.
“Not am I looking forward to working with Dion and the Junior Magic Committee to further strengthen our VJBL program, but also seeing our coaches and players back on court after what has been a unique year”, King said.
The Association remains in discussions with Michael on several progressing opportunities to ensure that he remains an active leader within the Magic Program moving forward, particularly within the female game.
The Program will be looking to introduce several new and exciting initiatives in 2021. Further information and announcements about the 2020/21 Season, coaching appointments and try-outs will be made over the coming weeks and months – stay tuned.
