Tai Upoko

Auckland, New Zealand

tupoko@smww.com


Tai is from New Zealand which is located in the Pacific. A former Law Enforcement Officer of 20 years, Tai has been coaching in New Zealand for over 10 years and has coached at all levels ranging from community to an International level. He has been a volunteer coach within his community for several years and has had the pleasure of coaching and developing some great players in New Zealand.

He is a founding member of the local basketball club, Waitakere West Auckland Basketball Association, who is ranked number two in the country. Tai also coached at a National Level for New Zealand taking teams abroad to compete.

In 2012, Tai left his secure job to pursue his dreams of coaching full time. He has coached his son since he was 11, representing New Zealand when he was 16 at the elite level.

In 2015 I started a company called Triple X Basketball International (TXBNATION.com). Tai’s company was developed with his son in mind. Since starting this journey, Triple X Basketball has connected with some very good people and organizations throughout the USA including Elite Academies, Colleges and Universities. They have placed 50 athletes on various scholarships throughout the USA at all levels including prep school, JUCO, NCAA and NAIA.

Through the SMWW course, Tai was able to find another opportunity to network and meet likeminded individuals on a wider scale. He has been mentored by Mark Warkentien New York Knicks, and Josh Url, Synergy Sports, on scouting techniques, player evaluation at all levels, the relationship between each level of basketball, synergy sports technology and more.

Tai looks forward to working with you and helping you to the next level. 

 



Career Information
TRIPLE X BASKETBALL INTERNATIONAL 2012 - Present

Director
• Player development
• USA College Recruitment In-Schools coaching
• Representative Coaching National Coaching
• Community events and programs International tours
• Coach and player mentorship

WESTERN SPRINGS COLLEGE 2011 - Present

Head Coach
• Implement player & team programs Player development
• Grow participation in basketball Compete at a high level
• Implement player goals Implement school goals
• Introduce students to local representative programs Manage player assessments
• Liaise with outside organizations regarding basketball matters

WAITAKERE BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION 2007 - Present

Head Coach
• Implement player & team representative program Player development
• Grow participation in basketball at the club
• Compete at a high level regionally and nationally Community events and club fundraisers
• Educate and deliver a professional service

LYNFIELD COLLEGE 2012 - 2014

Head Coach
• Implement player & team representative program Player development
• Grow participation in basketball at the club
• Compete at a high level regionally and nationally Community events and club fundraisers
• Coach mentorship
• Implement financial structures to team tours
• Educate and deliver a professional service

AVONDALE COLLEGE 2007 - 2012

Head Coach
• Implement player & team representative program
• Player development
• Grow participation in basketball at the club
• Compete at a high level regionally and nationally Community events and club fundraisers


Professional Background
• 15 years basketball coaching (International/ National)
• 10 years Basketball New Zealand Player Development Coach
• 7 years BBNZ Koru Tours
• 10 years Representative Head Coach
• 10 years In-Schools Head Coach
• 10 years International Tours
• 10 Years Community Coaching and Events
• 2 years College Recruitment
• 5 Years Elite Training Program for Athletes