Vancouver Bandits, Basketball BC to Co-Host Coaches Clinic ft. Kyle Julius, Allison & Mike McNeill

Bandits Staff • December 11, 2023

LANGLEY, BC, Dec. 11, 2023 – The Vancouver Bandits and Basketball BC announced Monday that the two organizations will jointly host a free-to-attend coaches clinic at Langley Events Centre (LEC) on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024.


The clinic is open to basketball coaches of all levels and promises an afternoon of skill development, strategic insights and collaborative learning. The clinic is part of the Vancouver Bandits and Basketball BC’s ongoing commitment to growing basketball in British Columbia.


Earlier this month the Bandits and Basketball BC co-hosted a virtual seminar for 155 officials and coaches from across the province.



Interested members of the basketball community are invited to register for January’s coaches clinic by visiting www.thebandits.ca/basketball-resources.


The in-person clinic will run for three hours on January 7 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT. All participants must register online to attend and receive relevant clinic information.


Instruction at the clinic will be facilitated by three household names from Canada’s coaching community; including current Vancouver Bandits head coach and general manager Kyle Julius as well as former Canadian senior women’s national team head coach Allison McNeill and assistant coach Mike McNeill.


The clinic will focus on skill development crucial for helping players grow and will feature insights on effective coaching strategies. The event will also include opportunities for attendees to engage with the instructors as part of a question-and-answer period.


About the Coaches:


Kyle Julius, general manager and head coach, Vancouver Bandits

  • Led Canada to a gold medal at the internationally renowned 2017 William Jones Cup
  • Coached the Saigon Heat in the ASEAN Basketball League where he helped Saigon achieve its first two winning seasons and first-ever playoff victory in franchise history 
  • Coached the Formosa Dreamers to championship and semifinal berths in 2021 and 2022
  • Led the Vancouver Bandits as head coach in 2020 to the CEBL finals. The Bandits have qualified for the postseason in each of Julius’ years of involvement with the club 


Allison McNeill, former head coach, Canadian senior women’s national team

  • Head coach of Team Canada from 2001-12. Guided the team to its first appearance at the 2012 London Olympic Games since 2000 – advancing to the quarterfinals, equalling the best performance by the Canadian women’s national basketball team
  • Led Canada to two FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup appearances in 2006 and 2010
  • Head coach of the Canadian junior women’s national team from 1998-2000
  • Head coach of Simon Fraser’s women’s team from 1988-2001. Advanced to 3 NAIA Final Four appearances 
  • Served as the associate head coach of the University of Oregon’s women’s basketball team from 2001-05 and helped the Ducks win the WNIT title in 2002 and an NCAA tournament berth in 2005
  • Led Semiahmoo Secondary’s senior girls basketball program to back-to-back provincial titles in 2019 and 2020


Mike McNeill

  • Assistant coach of Canada’s senior women’s national team from 2001-12
  • Head coach of Simon Fraser’s men’s basketball team from 1978-82
  • Assistant coach of the University of Oregon’s women’s basketball team from 2001-05
  • Former manager of coaching development for Basketball BC
  • Head coach of Basketball BC’s U19 and U21 provincial teams; led teams to Canada Basketball national championship titles


"I am excited as we gear up for an informative coaching clinic, bringing together the expertise of three internationally seasoned coaches. This opportunity provides further education to elevate our coaching standards and enrich the basketball landscape in British Columbia. Join us as we learn, grow and shape the future of basketball together," said Shawn Dheensaw, executive director of Basketball BC.


Basketball BC and the Vancouver Bandits are committed to promoting the growth of basketball in the community and fostering a love for the sport. This coaching clinic is an excellent opportunity for coaches to enhance their knowledge, learn new techniques and engage with experienced coaches. The coaches clinic is the second complementary education offering from Vancouver Bandits and Basketball BC this fall.


"We believe in the power of collaboration and community engagement. This coaching clinic reflects our commitment to providing valuable resources and opportunities for everyone enthusiastic about basketball. We look forward to a day filled with learning, inspiration and fun," said Bandits team president Dylan Kular.


More information is available at thebandits.ca and @vancouverbandits on Instagram and TikTok, as well as @vancitybandits on Facebook and Twitter.

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