FIBA Oceania - New Secretary General David Crocker appointed

COFFS HARBOUR - The Board of FIBA Oceania has appointed highly credentialed sports administrator David Crocker as its next Secretary General, replacing Steve Smith who will retire from the position on 24th November 2013 following the FIBA Central Board Meeting to be held in Buenos Aires on the 23-24 November.

David Crocker is best known for his dynamic role as CEO of Basketball New Zealand (BBNZ) from 2000 to 2006 which was highlighted by the incredible rise in world recognition of the Tall Blacks who finished 4th in the 2002 FIBA World Championship.

Crocker had previously worked at Basketball Victoria Country , Geelong Basketball and Basketball Canberra. Since 2006 , he has worked at the Australian Sports Commission as a Senior Manager in Sports Development and was seconded to Swimming Australia in 2010, to lead a change management process for one of Australia’s highest profile National Sports Organisation.

As a Director of Sports Performance and Planning at the Australian Sports Commission(ASC) since 2011 , Crocker has managed the interface between the ASC and national sporting organisations. He is currently National Performance Manager at the Australian Institute of Sport, managing 16 staff across six priority sports, including basketball.

FIBA Oceania President , Bob Elphinston , said "FIBA Oceania was delighted it could attract such a high caliber candidate, with a great love of the game of basketball stretching over nearly forty years, and now a highly regarded Manager with an MBA and a Graduate Diploma-Company Directorship (GAICD) and global experience in sport and basketball in particular."

"His first hand knowledge of sport in several Pacific countries that he has visited will enable him to contribute immediately to the growth of basketball across the 21 member Federations of FIBA Oceania including key initiatives in promoting FIBA 3X3 , improved basketball facilities, improved governance , creation of 3 sub-zones to enhance competition opportunities and support to the new FIBA global competition plan to start in 2017 which will see Oceania and Asian Teams competing together in an expanded World Cup qualification."

David Crocker said: "My interest in this exciting role is driven by a lifelong passion for basketball and my belief that this position enables me to maximize the range of skills and experiences I have gained through my previous working roles."

Patrick Baumann , FIBA Secretary General and IOC Member said: "I welcome David back into the FIBA Family and look forward to working closely with him to continue to develop basketball in the Pacific . FIBA is entering an exciting time with dynamic growth in 3x3 , new World Headquarters in Mies, Switzerland, a new competition structure and increased corporate and broadcast interest in basketball at all levels."

David Crocker will commence employment on 11 November 2013 with his first task being the relocation of the FIBA Oceania Office from Coffs Harbour to Canberra.

FIBA

Photo: FIBA Oceania Secretary General David Crocker