Vucinic goes but Tall Blacks spirit remains

AUCKLAND (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - Never did Nenad Vucinic feel better about his job as coach of New Zealand's Tall Blacks than after his last game with the team, the Round of 16 clash with Lithuania at the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Though the Baltic side won 76-71 to advance to the Quarter-Finals, the Kiwis had shown the same combative spirit that has allowed the team to become one of the fiercest and most respected in international competition.

"My proudest moment was the final buzzer against Lithuania," said Vucinic.

"It was a tough defeat, a lot of 'what if' thoughts went through my head, but my heart was full because of who the Tall Blacks are when I finished."

Vucinic had decided long ago that the Basketball World Cup would be his last tournament in charge.

"My decision was made back after the last World Cup in 2010," he admitted.

"When I got asked to extend for another four years, I thought it was a great opportunity for me to try to do well, but also to develop depth on all fronts.

"I felt eight years as a head coach is enough.

"Staying longer would deprive others of the opportunity to enjoy it."

Vucinic, whose remarks were published on the Basketball New Zealand website, has no regrets about calling it a day with the national team.

He has a lot to keep himself busy, like making sure the Nelson Giants are a strong organization.

Vucinic has an ownership stake in the Giants franchise.

The decision to stand down itself wasn't tough, but the actual moment was as tough as it gets. - Vucinic

"There are so many memories, victories, defeats, great and tough times, but more than anything lifetime relationships that nobody can take away from me."

Vucinic says nothing has come easy for the Tall Blacks during his tenure.

He is confident that the team can remain strong and that the future is bright, yet he says it will take hard work and dedication.

New Zealand are also losing their manager, Claire Dallison, who has been just as important to the Tall Blacks as Vucinic.

New Zealand have to proceed with caution when they name Vucinic's successor. People with strong connections to the team like former star Pero Cameron, an assistant coach on Vucinic's staff, and ex-New Zealand coach Tab Baldwin are thought to be candidates.

The federation could also look outside of the country and bring in a fresh face.

Preserving the culture of the Tall Blacks is crucial in order to keep achieving at the highest level. - Vucinic

"Getting somebody from the outside that has never been part of this team would be a huge risk.

"Also having quality staff within the team is crucial.

"Our team management in the last four years has been top level.

"Claire Dallison will be much tougher to replace as the manager than I will be as head coach.

"Claire has done an incredible job to make sure we function at the highest level on a shoestring budget. But even more importantly, she has helped all of us in a million other ways, to cope with all the adversity that can affect the team negatively."

Cameron is among the many to have paid tribute to Vucinic.

As a coach, he made me believe in myself, the team and what we were trying to accomplish. - Cameron

"He always challenged everyone to be better while being supportive, always building your confidence.

"I know the general New Zealand public has no idea what an influence he has on the world stage in our sport. His meticulous planning and creativity as a coach is something I aspire to.

"The program won’t be the same without him."

There is plenty of cause for optimism.

The fighting qualities of New Zealand at the Basketball World Cup were there for all to see. There was a good mix of youth and veterans.

Lithuania had to pull out all stops to overcome Tall Blacks in the knockout round and seeing youngsters like Isaac Fotu emerge for the team in Bilbao and Barcelona was very exciting.

"On paper yet again this last tournament is an amazing achievement, no NBA players, no Euroleague players, a lot of 'no names' on the international scene, but once again we proved very good at burning that paper and throwing it in the face of the basketball world," said Vucinic.

"That is what a teal team does."

What is most crucial moving forward for New Zealand is to maintain the right attitude.

"The depth is there, the culture preserved and the confidence high," Vucinic said.

"But the hard work needs to continue, and that means a lot of hard work by all people involved.

"The moment we think we are too good, we will crash with a 'bang', but I am confident it will not happen with the right people in place who understand the Tall Blacks culture and what is required to continue the success of this team."

FIBA