A new head coach will lead the Mandurah Magic men’s side in 2017, with former National Basketball League player Aaron Trahair set to man the helm.
Trahair, who played at five NBL teams throughout his career, takes over from Jason Kyle as the lead mentor for the side.
The newly-appointed coach said he was yet to settle in, but was excited to get into routine with the Magic.
“It’s great to be back involved with the Mandurah team again,” he said.
“I’m really looking forward to getting into some pre-season activities and getting to know all the players.”
A former Mandurah player himself, Trahair brings a wealth of knowledge to the team as they attempt to return to the State Basketball League finals.
His NBL playing career began with the Perth Wildcats, but he also donned jerseys for the Cairns Taipans, Sydney Kings, West Sydney Razorbacks and Hunter Pirates.
He also played a stint with the Singapore Slingers.
Trahair said he hoped to use his own experiences at Australia’s top level to help the Magic climb the ladder.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to have played under some really good coaches and next to some really good players at high levels,” he said.
“I’ll certainly look to use some of that and part some of the knowledge on to our younger kids.”
Junior players are a top priority for the new coach, who is looking to uncover some of Mandurah’s young talent.
“I imagine we’re going to have a fairly young side – there’s definitely a fair bit of talent among the local kids in Mandurah,” he said.
“The key is get them back playing regular basketball and enjoying their basketball.”
Trahair makes his way to Mandurah after coaching opposition State Basketball League side Geraldton in season 2016.
He has also spent time at the Rockingham Flames as a player and a coach, and played for the Magic from 2009 to 2013.
Learning player tendencies before installing a game plan is a must for Trahair, as he looks to work to his team’s strengths.
“I like to think I’m a pretty flexible coach, so I’ll get to know the players before installing any set kind of structure,” he said.
“You can’t really have just one way of playing because if you don’t have the tools for it then it won’t work out.”
The Magic finished on the bottom of the table last season after injuries derailed what looked to be a promising season.
While Trahair refused to set a benchmark for his new side, he is aiming for consistent signs of improvement.