Basketball: Dennis named Tall Ferns coach

New Tall Ferns coach Shawn Dennis. Photo / Hawke's Bay Today

Former Tall Ferns assistant coach Shawn Dennis was today appointed as head coach of the New Zealand women's basketball team for the next two years.

Dennis currently coaches the Bay Hawks in the men's National Basketball League, and was assistant coach under previous head coach Mike McHugh in 2005-06.

Basketball New Zealand general manager Grant Chapman said Dennis' influence would be crucial for developing the Tall Ferns over the next two years.

"His experience within our national set-up and with players who now make up the bulk of the current Tall Ferns side, along with his enthusiasm and passion for the game, saw Shawn beat out a quality field of applicants," Chapman said.

The Tall Ferns' average age at the Beijing Olympics last year was 23, and Dennis said he was looking forward to coaching such a young side.

"My expectation is to try to continue the development of this young group... they had some great results last season and we just need to build on that."

Ahead of the Tall Ferns in 2009 is the two-game FIBA Oceania women's championship series against defending world champions Australia in early September.

- NZPA