The Wellington Saints have snatched up Aaron Young to replace Zico Coronel as head coach for 2025 and beyond.
Young signed a multi-year deal with the 12-time National Basketball League (NBL) champions, after stepping away from the Auckland Tuatara in August.
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The Tuatara announced Young would not return on August 12, the Saints posted on Instagram on August 15 that Coronel was heading back to Japan, with Young's signing news coming on September 16.
Young has long been regarded as one of the most respected coaches in New Zealand basketball.
In his four seasons with the Auckland Huskies/Tuatara, he guided them to three straight NBL finals, losing on each occasion to the Otago Nuggets and Canterbury Rams twice, and has also served as an assistant coach for the Perth Wildcats in the Australian NBL.
"Saints family, I am stepping into this new chapter, embracing the expectations and challenges that this historic franchise has represented for over 40 years," Young said.
"I have a tremendous amount of respect for Jordan and the Mills family, our ties have run deep over the years, and they have always made an effort to make sure I am looked after.
"This decision to collaborate was made with a clear commitment to align as competitors - we feel our experience and ideas link to a winning strategy.
"We have communicated our vision and have already started the journey to title No 13. See you in 2025."
"The Saints are looking forward to the new direction Aaron will take the team and how his tactical expertise will be applied to further elevate the team's performance," general manager Jordan Mills said.
"Aaron is one of the brightest young coaches in our country, currently the lead assistant coach for Perth Wildcats and assistant coach for the Tall Blacks at last year’s World Cup.
"He has a long history of developing young talent from his days at St Kents in Auckland to his time in the NBL, which excites us as a club to keep bringing through our young talent."
In the coming months, the Saints will focus on building a formidable roster under Young’s leadership as the NBL free agency period opens in November.
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