Basketball NT high performance manager Rod Tremlett in charge of Aussie U18 side at FIBA Asia Cup

ROD Tremlett has helped shape the Territory’s best basketball talent, including under-17 world champion Abby Cubillo.

Rod Tremlett is coaching the Australian U18 3x3 side at the FIBA Asia World Cup..

ROD Tremlett has helped shape the Territory’s best basketball talent, including under-17 world champion Abby Cubillo.

Now the Basketball NT high performance and development manager has a sought-after opportunity to work with some of the best young talent in the country.

Tremlett is coaching the Australian boys’ team at the FIBA Asia Under-18 3x3 Cup in Malaysia this week.

On his star-studded team will be Kian Dennis (Queensland), Seb Griffin (South Australia), Daniel Foster (Victoria) and Tasmanian Jacob Richards.

“I’m very excited. This is a huge opportunity,” Tremlett told the NT News.

“Having someone like (Australian Boomers representative and three-time WNBL champion) Marianna Tolo on the women’s NT Boundless Possible team during the NBL 3x3 Pro Hustle helped build my profile.

“And the NT Government’s support of three-on-three basketball has been great.”

Tremlett believes the Australian team can go a long way in Malaysia.

“Kian is a development player in the Brisbane Bullets system and a real personality,” he said.

“He’s a wiry six-foot-seven wing/forward and a great lockdown defender. He’s a super athlete and talent.

“Seb impressed for (runners-up) SA Metro at the Under-18 National Championships and he’s a quality leader.

“First up, we have to top our qualifiers in games against the Maldives, India and Vietnam in order to progress.”

Tremlett said the bulk of the team’s preparation would be done at a camp in Melbourne which took place on Tuesday.

“In three-on-three basketball the coach can’t have an influence on the game. It’s the same as a tennis coach,” he said.

“So we’ll get a lot of things done in our camp with our limited preparation.

“I’m coaching some of the best players in the country, but we’ll go over some leadership stuff in the camp.”

Tremlett was previously excited to be attending the Australian Boomers v USA exhibition games in Melbourne tomorrow and Saturday, before receiving his dream coaching opportunity.

“I’ll have to park those plans – my family is still going and they’ll enjoy it,” he said with a laugh.

“There were no second thoughts though – this will be a great experience.”