The National Association of Basketball Coaches in the United States recently presented AIS Applied Technical Advancement Coach Patrick Hunt with one of two 2012 NABC International Lifetime Achievement Awards at the NCAA Final Four in New Orleans.

Patrick who is also the current World Association of Basketball Coaches President,  becomes the first Australian to be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award. 

The award recognises coaches who have committed their life to being a guardian of the game, the advancement of proper coaching education and development of basketball across international borders contributing to the growth of the game.  Throughout his career, Patrick has made a tremendous contribution to the development and expansion of basketball.

Patrick was honoured to receive this prestigious award.

‘It’s very humbling, a privilege and an honour to be recognised in this way’, Patrick said. 

‘I have enjoyed a life long association with Basketball in both Australia and overseas and in particular, working with such professional and committed people.  I hope these people and those who have assisted with my development and growth will also share in this award.’

‘As an Australian coach, it has been a tremendous opportunity and wonderfully rewarding to help guide the training and development of many talented basketballers and coaches, to see them improve and progress to International level.’

AIS Director Matthew Favier congratulated Patrick for receiving this prestigious international award which recognises his outstanding contribution to basketball.

‘Having known Patrick from my very early days at the AIS, no one deserves it more,’ Favier said.

This award reflects a dedication to supporting the sport of basketball which is very close to his heart and I am genuinely thrilled for him to have been recognised by his international peers in this way.’

Patrick Hunt AM was one of the initial coaches of the AIS Basketball program and has been with the AIS from its inception in 1981.

Since joining the AIS, Patrick has played a critical role in identifying and nurturing junior basketball talent in Australia by teaching young players the mental, physical and technical skills and coaches the expertise needed to perform at the elite level.

In recent years, he has moved into the role of AIS Technical Advancement Coach to provide leadership, advice and expertise in applied technical coaching to assist AIS coaches to achieve sustainable international success.

He is highly regarded not only within the basketball fraternity but also in the broader coaching community for his experience and knowledge, exceptional teaching skills, communication skills, coaching expertise and willingness to enhance opportunities for learning and growth in the AIS and broader sporting environment.  He has coached more than 350 international basketball games representing Australia.

He was an Assistant Coach to the Australian Boomers Basketball team (1989-1992) including the Barcelona Olympics and was a member of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Team scouting panel.

Patrick was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia, AM, in 1995 for his services to basketball, particularly coaching.