Basketball: North Harbour basketball coach's job may be Done

North Harbour Basketball is facing a messy legal battle over the termination of Heat coach Steve Done's employment.

The Herald on Sunday understands last night's game against Hawke's Bay Hawks was Done's last in charge as management look to sever ties with the controversial coach.

While both parties did not comment yesterday - Done did not return calls while Harbour chief executive John Hunt said he did not want to comment - it is understood several players have indicated they would not have been willing to play another season under the fiery American.

This year alone Done has dispensed with four imports: James Bayless, Anthony Lackey, Mike King (injured) and Sydney Kings star Anthony Susnjara, while many homegrown players have become disillusioned at his confrontational style.

There are, however, believed to be significant issues surrounding Done's contract, and whether such a document actually exists.

Done came to New Zealand in 2005 to take over from Colin Driscoll - who had led the Heat to successive wooden spoons - on the understanding he was to take the job on a five-year deal.

There is speculation as to whether the deal was ever signed. Done is understood to be seeking a significant compensation deal.

While the parting is yet to be formalised, the rumours have been strong enough for prospective coaches to throw their hats in the ring.

There have been at least two expressions of interest to take over from Done, including former Breakers coach and multiple NBL winner Jeff Green.

"I'm always interested in coaching and North Harbour's what I would consider oneof the premier jobs in the NBL because they've got such a great organisation," said Green.

Green also said it was not Done's credentials nor his ability that precipitated the messy end, but his inability to understand the unique New Zealand basketball mentality.

"He's a very well qualified coach. He's a good coach. The problem is he comes from a junior college environment in the States and it is very difficult to try to instil that sort of environment in semi-professional teams," Green said.

Done had a colourful background in the United States. He coached at Santa Rosa Junior College in northern California but landed in hot water in 1999 for alleged violations of the California Community College code.

Done was said to have illegally recruited players to his programme and his Santa Rosa employers hired a private investigator to look into the allegations.

Community college coaches could recruit players from out of their district only if the players first approached them, but Done was alleged to have transgressed at least three times, charges he vigorously denied.

His basketball programme was placed on a one-year probation meaning they could not compete for the championship or post-season places according to local newspaper the Press Democrat.

It is understood North Harbour officials were aware of his record before hiring him.