Ansett import teaches skills and work ethics in school holiday coaching clinics

ANSETT star import Fred Williams is having plenty of fun back on the court coaching juniors over the school holidays.

Ansett star Fred Williams has been running popular basketball clinics over the school holidays. Picture: Che Chorley

ANSETT star import Fred Williams is having plenty of fun back on the court coaching juniors over the school holidays.

Focused on developing work ethic and ball skills, Williams’ initial camp from January 4-8 for juniors aged between 12 and 16 was a big success.

The subsequent feedback inspired Williams to return to the idea as soon as possible, with the next clinic set to take place from January 18-22, with Ansett’s Frances Fatnowna joining in to coach juniors between eight and 12.

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“I held a successful coaching clinic last week with a small, intimate group focused on development,” Williams said.

“The feedback was great and by the end of the week all the parents were contacting me to continue and so now we’re expanding it.

“It’s about helping these kids grow and keep them moving forward toward a career in the sport and a lot of that comes down to work ethic.

“When I was developing we were practising three hours a day every day, and that’s what you have to do if you want to go far in this sport.”

For 2021, Williams has his eyes set on securing an NBL1 contract, with plenty of interest already coming his way from the interstate competitions, particularly Western Australia.

And while he’s yet to confirm where he’s going, the 2019 Championship MVP will take plenty of confidence from the amount of Darwin-based imports and young players getting opportunities down south.

If he does go he will be following fellow imports Joe Jackson, Raymond Jarrett and Jerron Jamerson, with fellow Ansett stars Freddy Webb, James Toohey and Joel De Barros all also heading down south, taking advantage of opportunities opening for Darwin players in 2021.

“The Territory often gets overlooked in terms of talent with what is available in other states,” Williams told the NT News.

“But the restrictions in place this year have given everyone a level playing field with imports and local players from Darwin starting to get an opportunity.

“It pays to be in the country at the moment.

“There are a lot of guys that are getting opportunities in the NBL1 and I think they will flourish in that environment.

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“I did want to go home over Christmas as I haven’t been home in over two years and I’m close to my family, but it didn’t work out as it didn’t make sense for my career or health.

“I received a lot of support from the community here.”