Basketball: Balwin considers his options

Inspirational Tall Blacks coach Tab Baldwin wants to see a long-term future for himself in New Zealand before committing to the game in this country.

Baldwin, who was the guest speaker at a Halberg Trust lunch in Christchurch, is negotiating with Basketball New Zealand over his retention after guiding the side to their historic top-four finish at the world championships in September.

"The final decision I make will not be an emotional one, but will reflect my market value," he said.

Baldwin's contract as Tall Blacks coach and high-performance director ends next month.

With the Tall Blacks regarded as the best-coached team at the tournament, Baldwin's value rose dramatically within a fortnight.

Although Basketball NZ may be unable to match the dollars a European club can offer, it can provide long-term security, such as a four-year deal leading through to the 2004 Athens Olympics and the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

"Once I commit to something, that's it, I am totally committed," Baldwin said.

"I have become a New Zealander and want to work here, but I also have to consider that against my worth of, say, coaching in Europe, where the risk factor is much higher."

Attending the 2004 Olympics, which the Tall Blacks have all but automatically qualified for by finishing in the top-six at Indianapolis, is a huge incentive for Baldwin.

"I believe we can take this team further, produce better and are capable of getting a medal."

But Baldwin said the surprise element of the Tall Blacks had now gone and other countries would be better prepared for New Zealand.

Baldwin spoke of how gutted the players were by losing their semifinal to Yugoslavia after developing the self-belief during the tournament that they could win, even without injured star forward Sean Marks.

Yugoslavia had irked the Tall Blacks at a pre-world championship tournament in Germany with their attitude while staying in the same hotel as the Tall Blacks.

"They were smoking and drinking and did not seem to respect the hotel staff."

Baldwin contrasted that with the impression the Tall Blacks made when it came time to leave as the entire staff came out to the bus to say farewell.

Baldwin said he picked players first on character and then on talent.

He said that while the Tall Blacks' success on the world stage had lifted their profile enormously, it would not necessarily be reflected in more countries touring here.

"It still costs a lot to fly here, whereas European teams can just jump on a bus and drive to play another country."


- NZPA