BNB Announces Technical Director Neil Smith's Retirement

2024-04-22

Longtime Technical Director Neil Smith announces retirement.

After a successful career spanning more than 11 years on staff with Basketball New Brunswick, Technical Director Neil Smith will be retiring at the end of April 2024.

After first serving as a board member for Basketball New Brunswick beginning in 2007, Neil was hired to be the full-time technical director in January of 2013 and oversaw a tremendous period of growth for the organization.

From the creation of the incredibly popular Jr. Elite Development Program and development of the Sr. EDP and Next Wave programs to the 'NB Style of Play' that connects them to the Bantam Elite Camp and the Provincial Teams, Neil has left a mark on every facet of the high performance landscape in New Brunswick.

Also a huge proponent of grassroots basketball, Neil was instrumental in the creation of the fairplay system and modified rules at the U11 & U12 age groups, along with running several youth jamborees around the province annually.

His work with coaches included training hundreds of coaches over the years in his role as an NCCP learning facilitator and also spending countless hours informally mentoring and advising youth coaches looking to improve their craft in the province.

"Neil has had an incredible influence on the players and coaches in New Brunswick over the years and we are really going to miss his wisdom, knowledge and ability to connect with people. His impact will continue to ripple through the province for a long time thanks to the sheer number of players and coaches his philosophy has touched. His ability to always put the needs of the kids at the centre of decision making will leave a legacy at Basketball New Brunswick that we will not soon forget." - Executive Director Tyler Slipp

Basketball New Brunswick will be holding a 'Neil Smith Social' on Saturday evening, July 20th in Fredericton as part of their annual Summerfest tournament. More details will be released as the date approaches.

“Neil has had a long and successful career involving basketball - from his coaching to being our technical director. He has touched many lives both on and off the court. His ability to connect to both players and coaches with his instruction will certainly leave its mark on basketball in NB. I invite anyone who knows him, either as a coach or player, to join us as we celebrate him as he moves onto the next phase of his life - retirement! Congratulations Neil! “ - BNB President, Lori Wall

Please join us in wishing Neil the best in his retirement!