Basketball On The Internet.

SHANNON Seebohm's amazing journey continued today with the WNBL's Coach of the Year appointed by Basketball Australia to lead the Sapphires.

Seebohm will lead Australia's Under-17 girls through August's Oceania Qualifiers en route to FIBA's 2016 World Championship.

Sydney's rookie coach took the Flames all the way to the WNBL preliminary final and drew great support and praise along the way from Opals boss Brendan Joyce.

And his former teammate at the NBL's South Dragons, Utah Jazz swingman and dual-Olympian Joe Ingles again was among the first to congratulate him.

Seebohm's playing career tragically was cut short (the full story is at News Corp, click the link below) and he was left contemplating his future.

"I knew I wanted to stay involved with basketball but I didn't know what path - coaching, administration," he said.

Coaching eventually though was the obvious option, with Sydney Kings staff such as Tim Hudson and Ian Robilliard helping confirm that for him.

"I talked to Moose and was invited to come out and help with the Kings," he said.

"I'd do that every morning. Get up, go to Kings' practice.

"Then Shane (Heal) came in (as coach) and offered me a job as an assistant."

Heal first became aware of Seebohm when the Millicent junior was at the AIS and a member of Australia's under-19 team.

"Shane came and watched camp," Seebohm said, Heal inviting the young point guard to join him at the Dragons.

"He's been a massive influence for me and very generous to me.

"He's allowed me to have opportunities people aged 25-26 don't get."

Seebohm has made the most of those. His recognition by BA to succeed Townsville Fire's WNBL Championship coach Chris Lucas is the latest gem in his crown.

Online

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