Sport coaching success in secondary school basketball

In July, he guided the North Otago representative team at the National U18 Tournament in Auckland. More recently, Jacob's St Kevin's College team from Oamaru claimed the South Island A Grade title before finishing runners-up at the New Zealand Secondary School (NZSS) National Championships in Palmerston North. The A Grade competition is for mixed schools with rolls under 600 or single-sex schools with rolls under 300.

Jacob is currently studying a Master of Health Science, for which he is investigating a collaborative approach to coaching basketball using small-sided games (SSGs) in youth basketball. His research explores how representative and school athletes perceive the benefits of SSGs, addressing a gap in athlete-centred research within youth sport.

Supervisor Professor Andy Martin from the School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition says, “Jacob's research demonstrates the value of connecting coaching theory with practical experience through critical reflection.”

During his degree, Jacob completed a practicum placement focused on sport development initiatives with North Otago Cricket, gaining valuable work-integrated learning experience.

Supporting Jacob at the National Championships was assistant coach Liam Direen, a current Bachelor of Sport and Exercise (BSpEx) student majoring in physical education. Liam completed his sport practicum at Oamaru Intermediate this year, where he works as an assistant teacher helping deliver physical education lessons, coaching sports teams and organising student activities.

Liam says the practicum strengthened his teaching skills and understanding of school environments.

“It was an enjoyable experience, very valuable for development. I loved working alongside my colleagues, especially having another PE teacher to share ideas with. It is an awesome school environment with some vibrant student energy.”

He hopes to undertake postgraduate teacher education at Massey in 2027.

Also involved in the tournament was Jay Macdonald, a BSpEx graduate and Basketball New Zealand Tournament Lead, who is now in his fifth year of managing the event.

Professor Martin says, “National tournament events like this provide significant economic benefits for Palmerston North and the local business community, bringing visitors into the region who will be staying, eating and shopping while they’re here.”

The BSpEx can be studied either on the Manawatū campus or by distance. Enrolments are now open for the 2027 intake.