Senior privileged to be part of side

• Published date: 05 April 2024
• Publication title: Oamaru Mail

Sam Senior is back for his second season with the Otago Nuggets as an assistant coach this year

They opened their 2024 season with an 86-79 win in overtime against the Southland Sharks last weekend.

It was a ‘‘real privilege’’to be a part of the team, Senior said.

‘‘As a youngster, I’ve been a diehard sports fan. Rugby, basketball, it’s just always been a dream to be involved in a professional team.’’

The 21-year-old not take the opportunity lightly and is always willing to help out wherever he is needed.

‘‘I try to do as much as I can. Whether that’s cutting up film, running the boys through stuff on the court or even just doing the little jobs like keeping the score at training.’’

Being so young, Senior is coaching players much older than he is.

Commanding respect from ‘‘a good bunch of guys’’ is key, he said.

‘‘It helps knowing them personally and being mates with them outside of basketball.’’

After leaving Waitaki Boys’ High School and moving to Dunedin, Senior received got his first taste of coaching helping out Ian Cathcart at his old school.

‘‘When I came to Dunedin, I was studying sport management and didn’t really know what I wanted to do. Picked up coaching, helping out Waitaki Boys’ and it was quite enjoyable. Then I got my foot in the door with the Nuggets and just got really lucky, I guess.’’

He began doing...