Sam is a Level 3 qualified coach who has coached various Pride teams for the last 6 years, taking one season out to coach professionally at Manchester Giants.

Here are a few bits from Sam;

1) When did you first get into basketball?
I first started playing basketball in Year 9 in high school after playing football for many years prior to that. My younger brother started playing before me and I was intrigued about giving it a go. I played for the school team that year and due to my size and athleticism I found it enjoyable and easier to play than football.

2) How long have you been involved at Preston Pride?
I started playing for Pride when I started Year 10. I joined the Under 16's National League squad in my first season (we were rubbish, lost almost every game!) but I was hooked! I played out my junior career with Pride, having two play-off runs and off the back of that earned the right to represent the North West. I went away for 18 months for university and when I came back I was welcomed back into playing for the senior team where I have played ever since.
Pride also gave me my first opportunity to coach. I was allowed to assist coaching teams very early and was given my first chance as a National League coach when I was 22 (feels like forever ago!)

3) What is your favourite/best basketball memory?
I have so many! As a player it was representing the North West, having one good game in particular against the South West. We eventually finished 6th in the national tournament, but a lot of my teammates from then are now playing professionally.
My favourite memory as a coach is either being able to coach professionally in Manchester and experiencing that level of play, or most recently would have been coaching the North West Under 15's girls team. I was fortunate to coach that team for two summers, finishing 2nd and 4th in the national tournament. Myself and Dave (Head Coach) were fortunate enough to coach some really talented girls and did it our own way, much to the dislikes of others involved, but it was successful.

4) Who is your favourite basketball team and basketball player?
My favourite team is Denver Nuggets of the NBA, and I've not always been proud to say that until recent seasons! I followed them ever since I got my first NBA basketball game on PlayStation, NBA Live 2005 which had Carmelo Anthony as the cover athlete. My favourite player ever is Juan Carlos Navarro 'La Bomba'. An insanely talented shooter who spent most of his career in the Euroleague playing for FC Barcelona. I spent ages watching his footwork coming off screens into his shot. But my favourite player who is currently playing is definitely Luka Doncic. He is redefining what it is to be an NBA player, playing with skill as opposed to brute athleticism. Reminding the world that European basketball is good too!

5) Why should people join Preston Pride Community Basketball Club?
Preston Pride Community Club is one big family. I have played for a few clubs, coached all over but by far, Pride stands out as the friendliest and most nurturing club for juniors! It speaks volumes that so many of our juniors stick around and play for the seniors, or choose to coach! Every summer we have old players coming back from university to play as they want to be a part of the Pride environment again.

So now you know a little bit more about Sam. He coaches the Under 14's on Tuesday evenings, 5.30-7.00pm, come along to find out more about the Under 14's, and keep an eye on our fixtures page to catch a home game this season!