The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has appointed former General Manager of Bakerfield Jam of the NBA Development League, Coach William Voigt, as the coach to lead Nigeria’s campaign at the 2015 Afrobasket Men’s tournament which dunks off in Tunisia on August 19 this year.
The NBBF, it was learnt, chose Voigt ahead of about 20 shortlisted coaches including Nigerians. In a statement signed by the Head, NBBF Media, Patrick Omorodion, Voigt was offered a short term contract until September to win the Afrobasket and qualify Nigeria for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
And if he succeeds, will be the coach to lead the team to the Olympics. “He will be assisted by a team of Assistant Coaches and Video analyst. Coaches Ayinla Johnson and Abdulrahaman Mohammed as well as the team doctor and physiotherapist will keep their positions from the 2013 coaching staff.
“Voigt is not new to the national team and Nigerian basketball environment, as he had previously coached two of the team’s standouts, Alade Aminu and Ike Diogu, in the NBA D-League and has also volunteered in Summer Basketball Camps organised by Masai Ujiri in Zaria and Lagos between 2004 and 2008,” Omorodion further explained.
The National team training camp, Omorodion said is expected to open in Abuja on 15th July with both home and foreign-based players.