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The future of the Auckland Stars appears to be in safe hands with Tab Baldwin pledging to maintain ownership of the NBL franchise despite taking up a coaching position in Greece.
Baldwin said he would continue to play a role in the financial stewardship of the club, while general manager Theo Tait and former Harbour Heat coach Steve Done would continue to manage day-to-day affairs.
"I did it from Christchurch this year so this is just a little bit more of a phone call," Baldwin said.
Kenny Stone would again be offered the coaching job, said Baldwin, who was happy to accept the lion's share of the blame for a disappointing season that saw the Stars fail to reach the playoffs after being beset by off-court issues.
Paperwork irregularities saw import Tashaan Forehan-Kelly forced to sit out the opening match, which the Stars lost, while the club was also fortunate not to be docked points after Dillon Boucher took the court without having signed a registration form.
Forehan-Kelly and fellow import Danny Lambert then walked out mid-season.
"I can laugh about it now but at the time I was a little bit disappointed in myself that I didn't cross the Ts and dot the Is a bit better," Baldwin said. "It was my responsibility. But the organisation I think is significantly improved and now what we've got to do is give Kenny the tools he needs to build a stronger team."
The former Tall Blacks mentor said he was delighted to be back coaching after signing a two-year deal with Greek club PAOK Thessaloniki. But the once-powerful club was now operating under severe budget restrictions.
"It's kind of a tough situation but I'm just excited to be back in coaching. I might be feeling a bit different in about six months but right now it just feels good to have a coaching job in a great league.
"After spending a lot of money over the last few years and not having the success they wanted, the club is now on lean times financially.
"This year they have cut the budget quite dramatically so it is shaping up to be a difficult year."
