Mick oversees the technical direction of the program, provides US college and professional pathway advice, coaches athletes on the floor and supports coaching development. 

• FIBA Accredited Master Coach​
• Rio Olympics, World Cup, World University Games and international coach ​
• International Clinician, writer & consultant​
• Former Australian NBL, National Junior & Senior teams coach​
• Various High Performance Management and Coaching Director roles

Mel plays a pivotal role in linking the Eagles program with Basketball NZ‘s national programs. As well as focusing on talent identification, depth charts and athlete pathways

• FIBA Accredited Master Coach​
• International & National coaching experience Junior World Events​
• Former Head Coach Australian Centre of Excellence​
• State High Performance Manager​
• Former WNBL player

• BBNZ National Assistant Coach​
• Former Eagles Head Coach​
• Former Rams Assistant Coach

Mark Dickel was the head coach of the Mainland Eagles Academy between 2015 and 2018. He was instrumental in the growth of the academy and  supporting athletes in receiving US College scholarships. The number of South Island athletes receiving US College Scholarships jumped from 5 between 2008-14 and now sits at 40+ since the founding of the Mainland Eagles in 2014.

Mark has a professional and extensive resume and career both as a player and coach including:

• Played at University of Nevada, Las Vegas (third on the school's all-time list for total assists)
• Lead the NCAA Division 1 in assists (9.0 per game) in 2000
• Played for the Tall Blacks in 100+ games including the 4th placed finishing team at 2002 World Basketball Championship in Indianapolis
• 9 Year Professional Career in Europe and was named Eurocup All Star in 2006
• Sydney Kings (2010-11)
• Played for various NZ NBL teams including the Otago Nuggets, Wellington Saints, North Harbour Kings & Southland Sharks
• NZ NBL Rookie of the Year (1993), NZ NBL Assist Champion (1998, 2014) & NZ NBL All Star Five (2002)
• Head Coach of Albanian National Team (2010-11)
• Head Coach of Canterbury Rams (2015-18)
• Coach and Consultant at TNT Katropa (Philippines) & Philippines National Team