“We are very excited to have Mark join the Kilsyth Basketball family,” Eastern Sports Development Chairman Mike Bainbridge said.

“We are looking forward to his arrival and the opportunity to work with another great basketball mind.”

Watkins’ coaching background is extensive both at the domestic and international level. He is the current Head Coach of the Under 17 Australian Men’s team, the Australian Emus, and won a silver medal with the team at the 2014 U17 FIBA World Championships.

Prior to joining Basketball NSW and the Emus, Watkins spent time as an assistant coach at the Australian Institute of Sport and with the Under 20 and Under 22 Australian teams between 1997 and 2001. From 1998 to 2009, he served as both a head coach and assistant coach in the NBL with the Canberra Cannons, West Sydney Razorbacks and Gold Coast Blaze.

“I see nothing but upside with the appointment of Mark,” K&MDBA President Mal Allison said.

“He brings with him a wealth of coaching knowledge and experience, something that will be extremely beneficial to our representative and domestic coaches, players and staff.”