"Xs and Os" Coaches Corner

NBL1 West

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When starting a new thread where we go around NBL1 West to catch up with some of our coaches, the choice to go with Geraldton Buccaneers' Dayle Joseph for our first participant was a relatively easy one.

We discuss a variety of different subjects around coaching in NBL1 West, along with some sticky questions to finish off with - Huge thanks to Dayle for taking the time to give us his valuable insights.

What's been your biggest challenge for you as a coach and also as a team so far in 2024? How does that affect the remainder of the season in your title defence?

(DJ) We have been pretty lucky over the previous twoyears to not have to deal with too many injuries and have been able to put the same team on the floor week in and week out , this season we have had some challenges getting all our personnel on the floor for the same game for first half of this season. We are hoping that changes for the second half.

In terms of how that affects us moving forward, I think it is helping. Some opportunities have been given to some of our bench players who have stepped up and given some valuable minutes to help us win games when we thought we were vulnerable. I feel this adds to our depth .

Winning an NBL1 West Championship or winning Coach of the Year - which do you feel puts more pressure on you personally this season and why?

(DJ) I don’t feel any pressure from those previous achievements . Its more given me more passion to want to win another championship with a new group. There is challenges & pressures that come with that, that keeps us looking forward.

You have a very calm demeanor on the sidelines but clearly have the respect of your playing group based off how they play for you week in and week out. What's your biggest motivation and drive as a coach, and what advice would you give to young aspiring coaches coming through the system as to maintaining and reaching goals in such a tough and competitive league?

(DJ) The respect thing I think goes both ways. And that’s with veterans we have the young guys we have and the new guys that come in. Everyone brings something to the team and everybody sacrifices something to be committed to the team and I respect that from our players.

The motivation, is the challenge every week brings, finding each teams strengths and weaknesses and how we use that each week to get continued success. The Advice, Be your own coach, but you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Watch listen & learn from others and use what you think best suits you and the teams your coaching. Ask for feedback.

Gero is widely regarded as the toughest venue in the league based on many reasons but the main one being the Buccs parochial fan base. What's it like being in charge of a team with that kind of celebrity status in a regional town?

(DJ) I wouldn't say celebrity status. Maybe for the players. I have lived here all my life and worked in a family business. I think its pretty cool to have discussions daily with people coming into the shop and congratulating us on wins or asking about next weeks games. Or even having a meal somewhere and people asking if we play in town this week. I think its great that a lot of the community support one team .

Where would you rate as the toughest venue outside of your own to play in and why?

(DJ) We have struggled a few times at the Belmont Oasis (Perth Redbacks) over the years - not sure exactly why, maybe it was the old backboards and rings or the fact its east/west orientation (haha). Also, one of only two times I have ever been ejected.

The Midwest has a phenomenal history of producing some amazing ballers - going back to the days of Ben Pepper, Jason Bunter, Ray Evans and of course the great Greg Brown, but even to the modern era of Liam Hunt, Mat Wundenburg, Aaron Ralph, Alex Ducas and current Buccs excitement machine Johny Narkle. What do you think it is that, aside from having amazing coaches like yourself, Duke (Buccs Asst and Alex's dad Aaron Ducas), Dan Hunt, Scott Rubery, Annie Cooper and many more... Is the key factor to that sustained success in elite athlete development over such an extended period?

(DJ) You're right with all those names you mentioned about coaches . They are all passionate about the kids and all would have had something to to do with those players you mentioned also. Annie, Scott, Dan & Aaron lead the way on getting our state champ teams and country week teams ready year after year. Alex just finished college and training with NBA teams; Aiden Gardiner (2019 champion) is going into his 4th year at college and Bob Greichen is just about to start his college career. Add to that also Josh Hunt who is looking to try and get to the next stage in his basketball career, these are all players we are proud of that come through all those coaches. Duke is in his 20th season as ass coach with Buccs and add to that his five years as player, helps us give a consistent message to our up and coming players. And not to forget how big Dan's passion is for the Buccaneers.

Finally, we have our 10 Quick Responses section to get some answers to life's real problems!

1) Player or team staff member on your team with the worst habit / why?

Aaron Ducas - sometimes the bus has to travel with all windows open!

2) NBL1 West GM Brighton Pass lets you be GM for a day - Name one change you would make / why?

I liked the best of three finals series

3) The unthinkable happens and the Buccs get knocked out of the 2024 Playoffs - Who wins the title?

Joondalup Wolves

4) Do you have your own special reserved seat on the Buccs bus and has anyone been crazy enough to try and sit there?

Not reserved, but at the front of the bus. I have got a bit annoyed Ryan and Mat seem to take my parking spot though.

5) Speaking of the Buccs Bus, who's the resident Buccs Poker Champion up the back of the bus on road trips?

That would depend on who you speak to. Ralphy I think, not sure if its legally though. I know Clayton Dann used to be a card shark

6) Your fave NBA team and fave player (current or former) from that team?