Former NBA coach returns to FSM

Former NBA coach Tom Newell, representing the U.S. State Department as a Sports Ambassador, returned to the Federated States of Micronesia for two weeks of motivational talks and basketball clinics on Pohnpei and Chuuk. The clinics primarily focused on teaching island coaches techniques and drills they can use with their players and how to use the love of basketball to teach life lessons. Newell also visited local high schools and the College of Micronesia to deliver motivational talks focused on healthy eating and making good choices in life.

Former NBA coach Tom Newell, representing the U.S. State Department as a Sports Ambassador, returned to the FSM for two weeks of motivational talks and basketball clinics on Pohnpei and Chuuk.
(U.S. Embassy Kolonia)

While on Pohnpei, Newell worked with 22 local coaches. The skills they learned this year built on the skills they were taught last year. The local coaches spent the mornings in the classroom, and the afternoons working with local high school teams.

Newell also delivered 25 basketballs to the Kitti Youth Police Association. This gift fulfilled a promise he made last year to help the youth group with their basketball program.

In Chuuk, Newell worked with 20 coaches. Based on the level of engagement of the Chuukese coaches, Newell promised to try to return for a longer visit next year. He visited public and private schools across the island to deliver his positive message about healthy eating and making good life choices.

Newell began his basketball career working as a scout for the Golden Warriors in the early 1980’s. After serving as the Indiana Pacers Director of Player Personnel in 1984, he moved on to work as an assistant coach for the Seattle Super Sonics (now in Oklahoma City). During the 1990s, he served as assistant coach for the New Jersey Nets, college scout for the Milwaukee Bucks, and assistant coach for the Dallas Mavericks. In 1995, Newell became head coach for the Greek professional team Iraklis Thessaloniki B.C., and began working in international programs. He later joined the coaching staff of the short-lived WNBA team Portland Fire. Newell was also the Men’s National Team Coach of Japan in 2000, as well as coach of the Jilin NE Tigers China Basketball Association team. He currently travels as a Sports Ambassador for the State Department, teaching coaches and players about the game of basketball. He also represents FIBA as an expert instructor in their Olympic Development Program for Third World countries. Newell is very active in his community with free camps and clinics for kids ages, 7-15. (U.S. Embassy Kolonia)