Basketball: Kiwi lands NBA coaching gig

A 24-year-old Kiwi is taking on one of the toughest coaching jobs in basketball.

Ross McMains has been named assistant coach of the Reno Bighorns for the NBA's D-League, which starts the United States next month.

McMains said getting team success among players looking to impress for individual NBA spots is a real challenge.

"You're trying to get people to buy in to achieving, getting to the next level not by being an individual but by being a team and successful within that environment.''

The Kiwi remains on the path to fulfilling his dream of becoming an NBA head coach.

McMains said coaches are promoted from the D-League to the NBA every year.

"GMs, decision makers all around the NBA are going to D-League games to watch. They're not only seeing the players, they're also seeing the coaches.''

The Reno Bighorns are the D-League affiliate of the Sacramento Kings, who appointed McMains.