Basketball: New gig for Breakers assistant

Breakers assistant coach Judd Flavell. Photo / Getty

New Zealand Breakers assistant coach Judd Flavell has added another job to his coaching portfolio.

The Southland Sharks have appointed Flavell as their head coach in the New Zealand National Basketball League.

Flavell replaces Paul Henare, who took the Sharks to their second NBL title in the 2015 season before departing to focus on his roles with the Tall Blacks (head coach) and Breakers (assistant coach).

Flavell has been in charge of Breakers Development since July 2006, and he - much like Henare in the past - will be released to coach in the NBL before returning in time for the ANBL season build-up.

Long-time Sharks import point guard Kevin Braswell was initially tipped to take over for Henare, but was snapped up by a big offer to be the head coach at the Wellington Saints.

Flavell played for the Tall Blacks from 1999-2002 and has also coached in the NBL before, winning the title with the now-defunct Auckland Pirates in 2012. Flavell has also spent time in charge at the Harbour Heat and the New Zealand U-19 men's squad.

The Sharks will now turn their focus to attempting to retain the core of their title-winning side for the 2016 campaign. With Tai Wesley, Duane Bailey and Shea Ili all having played for the Sharks and Breakers last season, Flavell's hire could be a strong link in keeping that core trio with the franchise.

Although the Sharks vacancy is now filled, there are still several openings in the NBL.

The Taranaki Mountain Airs are looking for applications to fill their coaching roles, while Manawatu Jets head coach Darron Larsen is heading overseas to be an assistant coach at the Pepperdine Women's college program.