Kennedy Kereama headlines new look UC Capitals assistant coaching bench

Former New Zealand Tall Ferns head coach Kennedy Kereama has joined the UC Capitals coaching team for the 21/22 season.

Kennedy comes to the Capitals as an extremely accomplished coach. As well as international experience coaching the NZ Tall Ferns, Kennedy has coached the WNBL’s The West Coast Waves (Now Perth Lynx), the Canterbury Sirens, Dandenong Rangers and Melbourne Boomers in both a head coaching and assistant coaching capacity.

In addition, Kennedy is the current coaching director for the Sunbury Basketball Association in Victoria and the Head Coach for the Knox Raiders Women’s NBL1 team.

Kennedy said that he’s looking forward to getting to work with the UC Capitals.

“There is a great mix of experience and emerging talent in this group. I’ve also had the misfortune of coaching against Kelly Wilson and Kelsey Griffin so I’m really happy to be on the same team as those two.”

Head Coach Paul Goriss added, “Kennedy has a wealth and knowledge and experience both as a head coach and assistant coach. In his short time here so far, he’s already built a strong rapport with the group, and I have no doubt he will be a valuable addition to our bench.”

In addition to Kennedy, Aiden Barnett has been brought on board as a development coach.

Aiden has spent the last few years honing his craft within the Basketball ACT high-performance coaching system.

“We think it’s really important to show that there’s not just pathways for athletes in the ACT but for coaches as well,” said Goriss.

“Aiden came highly recommended from BACT and it’s a privilege to be able to give him some exposure to this level of basketball and coaching.”

Finally, Carly Wilson returns for her fifth season as an assistant, having been on the bench for the two most recent championships.

“Carly accomplished a lot as a player and brings that experience into her coaching,” said Goriss.

“Having spent some time with the Opals and the last five seasons here with the Caps, Carly now has plenty of coaching knowledge and experience that will be invaluable to us as the season progresses.”