One of the coaches, Sam Senior, highlights the academy’s unique structure.
“With a select group of around 15 athletes each term, the academy can provide a more personalised training environment where players can work on individual improvement,” he says.
Unlike high school or club team training, which is often centred around team strategies and game preparation, the Eagles Academy places emphasis on individual development.
Senior says the academy is a great way for local athletes to get set up for a career in basketball after high school.
“Whether that’s playing in the NBL, NCAA Division I, for a national team or even the NBA down the line, we want them to be as prepared as possible to compete at the highest level."
With three 6am sessions and one afternoon session in term one, the athletes are put to the test to prepare them for high performance environments they may move into.
“Strength and conditioning are key components of the programme,” says Senior.
The training sessions are usually split 50/50, with half focussed on skills or concepts, and the other half spent in the weights room.
“We focus on building athletes who are physically and conceptually prepared for the demands of high-level basketball.”
But the coaches understand that when athletes are busy with their high school and club seasons, they pull back on the academy.
“During the season in Term 2, the academy usually only has one session per week to avoid burnout, allowing them to balance their school and club commitments.”
Senior also says the academy has been great for developing his own coaching skills, because it provides the opportunity for him to coach talented players on a regular basis.
“Coaching is something that improves with experience.
"The more time you spend working with athletes, the better you become at recognising their strengths and weaknesses and learning how to help them improve.”
The academy’s commitment to excellence is laying the foundation for a new era of basketball success in New Zealand for both coaches and players alike.
