Dean Blake

dean-blake

Basketball Development Officer

School of Sport and Exercise Science

Professional and Technical Support Staff

Contact Details

email: d.blake@worc.ac.uk
tel: 01905 542927

Dean joined the School of Sport and Exercise Science in 2018 after working as Basketball Head Coach at the University of Wolverhampton. In addition to this role he was also Head Coach of the Men’s National Basketball League (NBL) Division 3 team as part of the West Bromwich Albion Foundation.

Whilst working with the Foundation, Dean developed Basketball players who gained scholarships to the USA, earned trials with National Teams, played in the Elite Academy Basketball League (EABL) and Academy Basketball League (ABL).

Dean currently coaches the University of Worcester Men’s British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) First team.  This season our Men’s First team won promotion back to BUCS Premier for the 2023-24 season.

Dean is passionate about the development of Basketball at the University of Worcester and wants to provide as many opportunities for students within the Basketball programme to develop and improve as people and players.

Qualifications

  • Basketball England Level 3 Coach Award (2019)
  • OCR Level 3 Mentor (2005)
  • Safeguarding Children (2017) FA
  • Emergency First Aid (2017) FA
  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (2017) Griffin

Scope of Role at University

Overseeing University of Worcester Basketball Programme.

  • Coach of the BUCS First team and provide support to all other Basketball coaches and teams.
  • Recruit Basketball players to the University of Worcester, through visits to further education institutions, hosting tournaments and open days.
  • Provide support to students on and off the basketball court to ensure they are enjoying the experience of being a student athlete at University of Worcester.
  • Utilise his experience and network to develop initiatives to engage the local and wider community.

Industry Background

Dean has over 20 years of experience as a Basketball Coach within the West Midlands area.  Dean also competed for the Worcester Wolves in the early 2000’s.  Before then Dean grew up playing basketball for his local teams, most notably the Birmingham Bullets junior programme.

External Responsibilities

Dean is Head Coach for our Worcester Wolves Men’s team who compete in the National Basketball League. Dean is also the Camp Director for our Annual Worcester-Valencia International Basketball Camp, which gives players from the UK and Spain the opportunity to learn from coaches from different countries.  Throughout the season Dean devises and co-ordinates various Basketball orientated initiatives to support the aims of the University.