Canterbury Regional Basketball Foundation Announce New Roles For Mick Downer & Mel Downer

The CRBF are excited to announce new roles for Mick Downer & Mel Downer beginning 2020.  Mick’s role will be the Performance Programmes Director and Mel’s role will be the Performance Pathways Manager.  These roles come with the addition of Nakita Rue as the Performance Programmes Administrator with Ben Sheat moving in 2020 to a full time teaching role at Christ College. 

Mick & Mel will lead the CRBF Performance Programmes, which include the Mainland Eagles Academy & Canterbury Basketball Rep Academy. 

“We are looking forward to Mick & Mel leading the CRBF Performance Programmes.  Both Mick & Mel’s experience will provide our players with the daily coaching required to develop habits and routines so the players are given the best opportunity for future success.  With Mick and Mel’s experience, our players will receive guidance in regards to basketball & career pathways including US College and Overseas’ professional placement”, stated CRBF General Manager Caleb Harrison

Mick Downer’s new role as Performance Programmes Director encompasses lead coach of the Mainland Eagles Academy, Canterbury Rams Head Coach as well as Coach Education.  Previously Mick has been the Head of High Performance with the Brisbane Bullets and Assistant Coach with the Australian Boomers.

Mel Downer’s new role as Performance Pathways Manager aligns with her current BBNZ Talent Manager (Sth Island) role and includes Mainland Eagles lead coach, Canterbury Rep Academy Manager and Coach Education.  Mel has experience in some of the most respected environments in the world including Women’s Head Coach at the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence (previously named the AIS) and State  Performance Manager South for Basketball Queensland.

Lori McDaniel will continue her role with the CRBF as the Development Programmes Manager, as well as leading Community Coach Education with her role within Canterbury Basketball Association.

“We have seen 35 boys & girls from the Mainland Eagles Academy go on and receive US college scholarships or professional playing opportunities including Taylor Britt who just recently picked up a Perth Wildcats contract & Mary Goulding a pro contract in Sweden after 4 years at an elite US University.  With Mick & Mel leading the programme we are looking to continue to develop the delivery of services for our athletes to develop the best holistic habits and routines for future success.  With a track record of supporting players throughout the South Island, our focus will now be to fine tune our selection criteria, policies and the collaborative process with our athletes & families on finding the right fit in regards to career and basketball opportunities post high school”, stated CRBF General Manager Caleb Harrison.

About the Mainland Eagles Academy

The Mainland Eagles Academy was established in 2014 by the Canterbury Regional Basketball Foundation to support male and female high school players & coaches throughout the South Island in their development through regular training’s & education.  The Academy will expose players & coaches to an environment that will promote holistic education.  Players & Coaches will be supported with pathways guidance including tertiary opportunities here in New Zealand and in the United States as well as professional opportunities overseas.