Main man shakes up Taranaki basketball

An up-and-coming Auckland basketball coach is responsible for a Taranaki team’s first win in two years.

Ross McMains has made an immediate impact as head coach of the Taranaki Mountain Airs in the National Basketball League, with the franchise snapping a historic losing streak in his first game in charge.

The Airs took down the Supercity Rangers 87-78 on the North Shore on Saturday, claiming their first victory since June 2014.

Key to that initial success is the recruitment of Mr McMains, who is considered one of the best prospects in New Zealand coaching.

The coach has spent time in the United States working with NBA players before earning a role as assistant coach for the Tall Blacks.

The former Kadimah School and Kelston Boys High School student started his coaching career in Auckland with the New Zealand Breakers as a video coordinator.

After years spent travelling between the USA and Auckland, Mr McMains has moved to the provinces and become the Mountain Airs’ full-time coach.

The appointment is a massive boost for a basketball region which previously relied on teachers to take control of the team in their spare time.

Mr McMains is excited at the opportunity to make big changes in Taranaki.

“For me to go and be able to impact a region, that’s a fun opportunity and a big responsibility on my shoulders to try and make a big difference,” he says.

There are signs his skills are already paying off, with Supercity being one of the pre-season favourites to win the title before being toppled by Taranaki.

“It’s a fun start. This group has been working extremely hard, they’ve been at it for about a month and a half. It’s been a dedicated group so it’s an awesome way to get this season started.”

The chance to work alongside Mr McMains is a big drawcard for the Taranaki region, and Breakers development player Jordan Ngatai has moved south to play under the gifted coach.

“I wanted to get better with Ross because he’s got a great profile from being in the States, the Kings, working out NBA players, so I thought it might be a great opportunity but also for me to become a leader and a better team player,” says Mr Ngatai.

If Mr McMains can attract more high-quality players to make the trip south, Saturday may not be the last time an Auckland team falls at the hands of Taranaki’s reinvigorated basketball set-up.