Dean Blake
Basketball Development Officer
School of Sport and Exercise Science
Professional and Technical Support Staff
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 ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ 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 ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ and wants to provide as many opportunities for students within the Basketball programme to develop and improve as people and athletes.
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 ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ Basketball Programme.
Internal Responsibilities
- Coach of the BUCS First team and provide support to all other Basketball coaches and teams.
- Recruit student athletes to ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥, who have a passion to develop and excel at Basketball, through visits to FE institutions, hosting tournaments, Basketball Performance Days and contributing to ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ 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 ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥.
- Utilise his experience and network to develop initiatives to engage the local and wider community.
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.
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.