Whitmore’s coaching experience in South Australia is nothing short of impressive. In 2006 the young coach joined the Central Districts Basketball Club where he spent two years as an assistant coach and eight years as the head coach.

The 10 years of committed coaching with the Centrals put Whitmore forward as an ideal candidate to take the esteemed role as the U20 Men’s Head Coach for the 2017 U20 and Ivor Burge National Championships held in Bendigo this February. 

This year the Premier League will see Whitmore return to the Woodville Warriors where he spent his entire playing career.

“I played seventeen years in the men’s team there.”

“I only really played for one club here in Adelaide and that was Woodville.”

The brilliant coach will be welcomed back by the Warriors with open arms. Whitmore has not only been inducted into Woodville’s Hall of Fame, but his number has also been retired by the club.

“They hung it on the wall in one of the home games last year. That was a real honour - it was awesome.”

Whitmore remembers Woodville’s Championship in Year 2000 to be the most enjoyable memory as a basketball player but he’s excited to be returning to the Warriors as a coach.

“I’m super proud to be back there coaching the team that I grew up playing for.”

We don’t doubt that the Woodville Men are just as proud to have the club Legend show them some new ropes this season.

The 2017 Men’s team has been introduced to three new coaches this season but Whitmore is confident with their offseason so far.

“It’s been pretty good. Obviously a brand-new coach, brand new system, four or five brand new players… it takes time to gel that group. It’s a whole new system at both ends of the floor for these guys.”

Whitmore didn’t come back to the Warriors empty handed.

Daniel Carlin, Luke Frost, Myles Thiel, Chris Clausen, and his two assistant coaches, all followed the inspiring leader from Centrals this year.

In addition the club have also welcomed their new import, Jason Luhnow, a 6’2 combo guard from Oregon, USA.

“There’s a few new additions but ultimately that was to really strengthen the bench.”

“Woodville traditionally have been a strong club and I’m just trying to build on the good work done before me.”

Whitmore is non-negotiable when it comes to the impact of the entire team on the game.

“It’s going to take 12 guys to win.”

“Never rely on one individual for scoring. We want to be disruptive from the defensive end and generate defence into offense.”

To have a talented group is one thing in this sport, but Whitmore understands the importance of team culture.

“Culture will out trump strategy.”

“Back in December the group set their own trademark and values to measure themselves against.”

“The stuff above the shoulders is already taken care of. We don’t want to coach work ethic.”

In the offseason Whitmore has focused on creating a team oriented offensive structure.

“We want to be hard to tag and make the talent spread across the entire court.”

This season the Warriors will welcome a number of new players, but they will also say goodbye to one of their key starters, Nelson Kirksey.

“We did our utmost to keep Nelson. We wanted to keep him and we talked about it a few times.”

“We did put an offer to him but at the same time we were trying to help him step to the next level.”

The 2016 Woollacott Medallist will play in the SEABL this season as a Kilsyth Cobra.

Just like any great coach, Whitmore has great expectations of his Warriors. His 2017 goal is to secure a top three spot to get a second chance in the playoffs.

“We’ve got the organisation and talent to get there.”

The 2017 Premier League competition will see a shake-up this season with big player movements and exciting new imports across the entire league.

“I expect every game will be played with five minutes to go.”

The Woodville Warriors have their final trial game this Thursday, March 23 against the Sturt Sabres before Round 1 tips off on April 1.


Interview: Kieren Vartuli