Feature image via: Sports Imagery
The NBL1 South Coach of the Year Mark Alabakov took Bendigo to the next level this year by putting defence first.
This past season the Braves carried over their dominant offence but ingrained a defensive mindset to finally get over the hump in the NBL1 South – then carrying that into the National Title.
NBL Media: Braves celebrating National Title
Last season the Braves made the Grand Final but fell short to the Ringwood Hawks. The Braves were an elite offence but were only eighth in defensive ranking according to Alabakov.
He then spent the offseason learning from the best defensive minds he could find to improve his coaching, spending time with Melbourne United, Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence and coaches overseas in Europe to expand his knowledge for this past NBL1 season.
“Doing a deep dive into even other sports, especially in Australia, it’s generally always the two top defences in any competition that tends to be the most successful and end up with championship rings,” Alabakov said on the Basket Case podcast.
“We were able to move forward with that [defence improvement] with the addition of Kasey Burton… She’s Robyn Maher’s niece, absolutely cut from the Robyn Maher cloth and tougher than a two-dollar steak.
“[She] loves defence and gets a real thrill out of being able to stop people.”
The addition of Opal Amy Atwell was also a key factor in this season’s success. Her offensive input was outstanding, dropping 25 points per game and scoring 44 points against the Northside Wizards in the NBL1 National Finals.
But Alabakov said her impact on the defensive end was just as important in their success.
In speaking with Perth Lynx coach Ryan Petrik, he said that Atwell had the capacity to be a really good defender. Under the guidance of Alabakov, Atwell’s tenacious energy was channelled onto the defensive end and helped bring Bendigo two titles.
