The Southland Sharks are thrilled to confirm today the appointment of American Jonathan Yim as Head Coach for 2024.
Yim brings 13 years’ coaching experience across the NBA and G League to the position including as assistant to Terry Stotts at the Portland Trailblazers. He also has worked with the Clippers, Lakers and Hornets organisations.
Sharks Director Nick Jeffrey said they are delighted to have secured such a high-quality candidate to take the reins of the NBL franchise.
“Having personally spoken to a number of Jonathan’s NBA and G League network as part of the appointment process I was blown away by what I heard. We are talking former NBA General Manager, NBA Directors of Player Personnel and NBA and G League coaches and GMs, all of whom just had the most incredible things to say and all of which we have experienced ourselves over the last few days,” he said.
“We were blessed with quality candidates from New Zealand, Australia and the world over, so we feel very fortunate to have landed with someone who we know is going to take our organisation to the next level in Jonathan,” Jeffrey said.
For Yim, the opportunity to take the Head Coach role is one that has him bursting to get to New Zealand.
“I am thrilled and deeply honoured to be named the next head coach for the Southland Sharks. I want to thank the board, Nick Jeffrey, and Jill Bolger for their trust and confidence. I’m excited to get to work with such a passionate organisation and to pursue our vision for the team together,” Yim said.
“Coaching in New Zealand is a dream come true. New Zealand has a proud basketball culture, and the passion the country has for the sport is inspiring. I’m excited to contribute to a league known for its competitiveness and dedication to growth and excellence. The chance to help develop talent and bring out the best in our team is a challenge I’m embracing wholeheartedly,” he said.
Yim has been fortunate to work for some of the most famous basketball organisations in the world and he can’t wait to unleash those learnings on the New Zealand League.
“I aim to bring a dynamic, disciplined, and resilient team to the court, one that represents the pride and heart of Southland. My commitment is to work relentlessly to create a winning culture that engages our fans, lifts our community, and honours the Sharks’ legacy. Together, we’ll build a program that the Southland region can rally behind and be proud of,” Yim said.
“Amanda (his wife) and I are excited to make Invercargill our home. We’re looking forward to connecting with the fans, learning from the community, and immersing ourselves in the incredible Southland spirit. We feel fortunate to be welcomed into such a dedicated fanbase and can’t wait to be a part of the Sharks family on and off the court.”
The Sal’s New Zealand NBL tips off on Wednesday March 12th with the Sharks opening on the road on Friday March 14th in Dunedin against the Otago Nuggets, while ILT Stadium Southland will see its first action on Saturday 29th March against the Manawatu Jets.
Season tickets for the 2025 season will be on sale pre-Christmas.
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