Recently retired Australian star Cam Gliddon has been appointed as the new head coach of the Auckland Tuatara and will start in the role immediately.
Gliddon, who enjoyed a glittering career in the Australian National Basketball League (ANBL) with the Cairns Taipans, Brisbane Bullets, South East Melbourne Phoenix and New Zealand Breakers, spent the past two National Basketball League (NBL) seasons with the Tuatara.
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The former Australian representative announced his retirement from professional basketball last week and takes over the reins of the three-time grand finalists from inaugural coach Aaron Young.
“Cam is an outstanding individual, who perfectly sums up what it is to be a member of the Tuatara,” general manager Dale Budge said.
“The moment we knew Aaron wasn’t returning, we were very clear that Cam was the guy we wanted in charge of our franchise.
“He has been a phenomenal player for a long time, has built up an enormous amount of experience and connections and has long been seen as a future star coach. “We are delighted he has agreed to continue his basketball journey with us.”
Gliddon said while he was sad his playing career had come to an end, he knew it was the right time and is extremely excited to move to the next part of his career.
“I knew it was the right time to step away from playing the game,” Gliddon said. “My body just wasn’t up for the rigours of what I would need to do to keep going.
“I was keen to move into coaching so when the Tuatara offered me the role, it didn’t take long to commit fully to it.
“I am really excited about taking on the role and continuing to work with the organisation.
“There are challenges stepping straight into a head coaching role but there are challenges in anything worth doing. I know I have the support of the franchise and the people within it so I feel confident I can make a success of this opportunity.”
Gliddon will now begin plans for the 2025 season, including assembling a roster under the 2025 salary cap system.
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