By Lance Jenkinson
Altona Gators have pulled off a major coup, securing the services of Australian Basketball hall of fame inductee Lanard Copeland to coach the senior men’s program in 2020.
The Gators needed a boost after coming off a losing season, which saw them finish second-last with a 6-18 record.
It was perhaps a harsh reflection on the Gators season because of their competitiveness in most matches and the fact they were one of the few teams to operate without an import.
The arrival of Copeland will provide a massive boost for the men’s program.
There are few bigger names in Australian basketball.
Copeland has played in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Clippers.
When he arrived in Australia in 1992, he linked up with the Melbourne Tigers in the National Basketball League and finished up one of the greatest in the league by the time he retired in 2008.
The 54-year-old was a two-time NBL champion with the Tigers.
In the 1997 triumph, the Atlanta-born Copeland took out the grand final MVP.
He finished his playing career with short stints with the Brisbane Bullets and Adelaide 36ers.
Copeland has coaching experience as a head coach with Hume City Broncos and the Sunbury Jets, and an assistant coach with the Sydney Kings in the NBL.
