Austin Kentebe, aka Coach K, has over 20 years of coaching experience in both running and wheelchair basketball games. He is also a qualified multi-sports coach, Lecturer, Tutor and Functional Rehabilitation Coach.
He shares this knowledge through his role as head coach and general manager of Brixton Ballers, a position he has held since its inception. He is also a tutor for British Wheelchair Basketball, the governing body, creating coaches all across the UK and Ireland. In addition, he also runs corporate programmes, school sessions and is on hand to offer help and advice to players, coaches and community leaders. During the off-season, he provides high-intensity interim coaching for league-level wheelchair basketball teams and individuals in and around Africa.
This is all in addition to being a father and grandfather, and carer for his mum.
Well, the abridged version….. ‘It was never my plan. I kind of arrived in wheelchair basketball. I loved it and wanted to get more involved.
‘So I’m at my first national junior championships in 2011 and I realise that there are only 3 players of colour, out of over 80 children competing’ I remember thinking ‘this is basketball, so where are all the black faces!’. That led me to set up the club in a black ’urban’ area and to begin my work in the inner cities.
‘Everything I do, or set up, has been in response to whatever issues, problems or ideas we have faced. I like to solve problems, not create them, and my ethos has always been that ‘everything is achievable’.
‘I couldn't do this by myself, though and have always been lucky to have a great team around me’.
I worked in the City in IT for 10 years. Worked in Theatre for a few years as a Script writer and had my own designer children's wear shop, and been a celebrity chauffeur. I guess I must like a challenge. Wheelchair basketball has been by far the most exciting and rewarding thing I have ever done. Basketball really is life.
‘I write stories, read, listen to music and watch way too much TV!’
‘Adidas….why?’

Coach