Basketball: Casey's frank assessment

Franks returned to the Breakers after answering an SOS from coach Dean Vickerman in January. Photo / Getty Images

Spilling trade secrets is not on the agenda for this ex-player, writes Kris Shannon

If Casey Frank stays tight-lipped now he's back in the Breakers' commentary box, there's one way to get him spilling secrets.

The commentator-turned-player-turned-commentator is again calling games after a stint on the floor towards the end of last season, now able to impart to the viewers first-hand knowledge of the Breakers' game plan.

But if Frank remains reticent when probed for insider information by co-commentator Andrew Mulligan, his lips can be loosened with a pre-game tipple.

"Hopefully I can find the fine line between adding insight and not betraying anybody's trust," Frank said. "Just as long as [Mulligan] doesn't make me have a beer beforehand, because that's when I really start to tell the secrets."

Frank finds himself in that position - a position that would be the envy of colour commentators across sport - after last January answering an SOS from coach Dean Vickerman to assist the injury-hit ailing champs.

While he was unable to spark a revival in the team's fortunes, Frank acquitted himself well when filling in for absent big man Alex Pledger and, as Mulligan explained, the 36-year-old's presence on the court was one of the campaign's few highlights.

"The season the Breakers were having it was - with no disrespect to Casey - a bit of comic relief," Mulligan said. "It was quite a good insight to have not just a colleague but a friend who was actually playing.

"He wouldn't divulge any team secrets, obviously, but he'd explain certain things in a way you normally wouldn't get out of an interview. I enjoyed it. I thought it was fun. And he can laugh at himself."

Frank, an ebullient and outspoken personality, often elicits laughter inside basketball circles. A serious player who scraps for every inch inside the lines, Frank's character off the court helped a subdued Breakers side rediscover their voice.

His form saw him retain his spot in the Tall Blacks for September's World Cup in Spain, where Mika Vukona again found a familiar voice chirping away in his ear.

"Casey never shuts up, regardless of whether he's on the court or in the commentary box," Vukona quipped. "That didn't change when he came and played with us and I'm sure it's going to be the same now he's back commentating.

"That's just who he is, and that's what we needed last year because we were a pretty quiet group. He's never quiet."

Neither Mulligan nor Frank thought that would change now the commentator is back in the booth, even if his playing days could create a clash between objectivity and friendship.

After all, there must be a predicament if a player Frank last year fought alongside now transgresses in the new season. But Frank had already dealt with that dilemma before his return to the club he first joined a decade ago as a foundation member, having continued to feature alongside the likes of Vukona with the Tall Blacks while passing judgement when the Kiwi captain played for the Breakers.

"Whether I'm playing or commentating, my mind's spoken but I'm never going to say anything that's personal," Frank said.

"If a guy's not doing a good job, he's not doing a good job. You can see it pretty easily whether you are watching or playing. If there's something I see, I certainly won't hesitate to call it out."

Vukona, for one, will be ensuring Frank remains impartial now he's once again traded his singlet for a suit.

"He's pretty neutral when he's commentating," Vukona said. "If he isn't, I'll let him know."

- NZME.