Basketball: Laptop theft leaves Baldwin lamenting

Thieves have jeopardised the Tall Blacks' world basketball championship campaign by stealing the laptop computer of coach Tab Baldwin.

The theft happened on Thursday night at a Wellington waterfront restaurant-bar as Baldwin dined with Saints' new signings Mark Dickel and Kevin Brooks, coach Dean Vickerman and veteran Tony Brown.

Baldwin had made a special trip to watch Saints practise and put his laptop, diary, cellphone and other items in a backpack so he could work at home later that evening.

"The place was practically empty, with our group and one other in there," Baldwin said.

"The bag was just off to the side, not under my chair, and when we got up to leave the other group had long gone and my bag was gone."

The information on the computer is vital to the Tall Blacks' world championship programme. While some of it has been backed up, a lot of it cannot be recreated.

The information includes scouting notes on Russia, Venezuela, Argentina, China and other international opponents the Tall Blacks will play this year.

- NZPA