Basketball: 'Toops' thrilled to net Tall Blacks role

Former Tall Blacks guard Chris Tupu has been named assistant coach of the New Zealand men's basketball team this year.

Tupu was delighted with his appointment to assist Nenad Vucinic during the Tall Blacks' European tour this month and the subsequent Oceania championship campaign.

"I was over the moon," said Tupu, the Nelson Giants coach who has been involved with the Tall Blacks as an apprentice coach during domestic camps and preparations for the past two years.

"I was a proud Tall Black when I was playing and I felt like a player again making the team when I got this job. I was really happy.

"It's nice to be back involved with a team that was obviously a big part of my playing career.

"And also to be back working with Nenad again is great. I know I gained a lot from the one year I assisted him with the Giants."

Tupu, 40, was assistant to Vucinic with the Giants in 2007, the pair guiding Nelson to the title.

Tupu represented New Zealand from 1994-2000 and played 12 seasons in the NBL from 1989, representing seven different clubs.

Basketball New Zealand national teams general manager Grant Chapman said Tupu had a proven relationship with Vucinic.

"We see 'Toops' as a potential Tall Blacks head coach in the future and this is an opportunity for him to continue his education at the international level."

New Zealand depart for their eight-game European tour on Sunday next week.

- NZPA