June 14, 2024 • 8 mins
Four-time NBL champion Dion Prewster is back at the Wellington Saints after two seasons in a coaching role in Japan.
He spoke to Adam Cooper about the Japanese basketball scene, and looked ahead to the Saints next home game against the Franklin Bulls this weekend.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
News talks there be well Veteran Wellington basketballer Dion prest
has been back in the Wellington Saints camp for the
last few games of the National Basketball League season. Most recently,
he's plied his trade as a coach in the Japanese
Basketball League. Dion Proster is with us down here on
the Ollsport Breakfast. Morning to you, Dion, and how nice
is it being back in Saints colors.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
It's been great obviously, homes home, so you know, seeing
familiar faces, family, friends, you know, peers and all that
kind of stuff. It's been good. So just enjoying it,
you know, one day at a time.
Speaker 1 (00:34):
And you've come back into the Saints team on the
back of a couple of years coaching in Japan. Can
you tell us a little bit about how that went
over there? And yeah, sort of have a couple of
years played.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
Out for you. Yeah, so obviously there's a New Zealand
connection there in Japan. Pauli henade as the head coach there,
so that's kind of how I ended up there, and
obviously Zico was there briefly as well, and yeah, it's
been a great experience, you know, obviously an assistant coach,
(01:04):
so you know, a lot of responsibility in terms of
you know, looking after players, helping with their skill development,
and just learning the game from a coaching perspective. It's
a massive learning curve. So you know, I've been fortunate
enough to work with poorly and learn a lot, and
now I get the opportunity to kind of, you know,
relive the player side of it, which is good too.
(01:25):
So you know, I can't complain.
Speaker 1 (01:27):
The Japanese league doesn't get too much publicity or coverage
in New Zealand. How big genuinely is it over there.
Speaker 2 (01:34):
It's actually really big. I mean, you know, they had
a lot of success with their national team in the
World Cup and then qualifying for the Olympics, and they
obviously have had two players I think one now player
in the NBA. So the league's growing. Obviously everyone knows
about the financial aspect that you know draws a lot
(01:55):
of people towards the league, and I think in time
it's just going to continue to grow with the amount
of teams and the you know, the amount of sponsorships
and stuff that are involved with the sport in Japan.
Speaker 1 (02:06):
Do you expect to see more kiwis go over there
and play Obviously you mentioned a fear a few use
you guys that have got over and coached, But but
could it be a more attractive option for some Kiwi
players over time?
Speaker 2 (02:15):
Absolutely? I think, you know, with the talent level that
we have in New Zealand, I think more and more
players will get opportunities to play, you know, outside of
Australia and New Zealand, and I think Japan will be
one of those leagues that you know, guys try to
get the foot in the door because I mean, yeah,
it's a great lifestyle obviously, like I said, financial aspects
(02:37):
that are really good, and I just think the competition
level and standard of player is going to keep continue
to grow.
Speaker 3 (02:45):
And what about living in Japan is general, is it
a good place to live?
Speaker 2 (02:49):
I mean, depending on who you ask, it might differ.
But for me, I really enjoy it. You know, it's
especially where we are. We're kind of not in a
big city, so it's kind of in the rural area,
so it's really easy to get around, fairly cheap to
do anything, so it's always good. And then obviously my
wife having ties to Japan makes it a little bit
(03:11):
more enjoyable as well. But yeah, I have no complaints
about being in Japan.
Speaker 3 (03:15):
Yeah, brilliant.
Speaker 1 (03:15):
Okay, so you mentioned the transition back from a coaching
mindset to a player mindset. The call came from Zico
or Jordan at the Saints set to come back here.
How has that transition being the last couple of weeks
as a player again, back back with your hometown team.
Speaker 2 (03:29):
It's been humbling for sure. You know, you know, thirty
four now, so the body doesn't bounce back like it
used to. But with that being said, like, it's been
awesome to be able to compete and get an opportunity
to play just because I genuinely love playing basketball, but
especially working with familiar faces like Jordan Mills. You know,
he's been really good with the Saints organization and obviously
(03:53):
Zico and all the wonderful things he's done, and even
some of the players that I've played with in the pass,
either here in Wellington or other clubs. Like, it's awesome
to see everyone you know thriving and growing and to
be a part of it. It's always good and hopefully
it can lead to something you know, you know, positive
at the end of the season.
Speaker 1 (04:10):
Yeah, I mean, you've been away for a couple of years.
But you've obviously been a multiple champion, You've been an
MVP in this league as well.
Speaker 3 (04:16):
How how has it changed in the couple of years
you've been away.
Speaker 2 (04:19):
I think the league's, you know, in terms of the presentation,
looks great. Obviously, there's you know a lot of young
talent and they're trying to I guess, you know, nurture
that talent through the rapid league, which is you know,
I'm just doing well, but yeah, like like anything, it
can always be better for me. I'm just happy to
(04:42):
see younger New Zealand players getting opportunities to shine and
you know, playing for the national team, guys like him,
Harris Isaiah you know, until he's doing really well, and
even some of the younger guys on the bench for
US money and just everybody just you know, growing and
hopefully that you know, basketball New Zealand can keep giving
(05:05):
opportunities to these guys because you know, it's a special
group of guys coming through.
Speaker 1 (05:11):
Indeed, and from your perspective, you've been part of a
couple of games. Now where is this team at in
terms of title credentials or being competitive in this competition?
Come the business endo, but it later in the season.
Speaker 2 (05:22):
I mean, there's no doubt I think we'll you know,
give it a good good shot at the playoffs. In
terms of winning a title, it's it's never an easy thing.
So you know, for us specifically, we've got a lot
of things to grow in, you know, on both ends
of the floor, defensively and offensively. A lot of that
is just you know, focus and discipline. But you know,
(05:44):
these things are hard to build into your habits in
order to be a champion. So you know we've got time.
But you know, the playoffs are going to be around
the corner, and there's a lot of teams playing really
good basketball. So you know, we've got our work cut out.
But I believe we have the group guys to be
able to get it done.
Speaker 1 (06:01):
Yeah. Great, and sitting third, hitting into the weekend, Franklin
back in fifth ahead of this big Sunday game at
tesp Arena. What kind of match up are you expecting
as you hit back to Wellie for this one?
Speaker 2 (06:11):
Nothing short of a competitive physical game. I wasn't a
part of the game last time when they played in Auckland,
but I got to watch the replay and just the
way the game was officiated. It was pretty physical and
I expect you know, Franklin coming in knowing that you know,
they need to, you know, make a final push for
the playoffs. They'll be ready to play, so, you know,
(06:34):
and most teams that come to Wellington want to beat
us anyway at home, so we'll be ready and I'm
sure Franklin will be too.
Speaker 3 (06:40):
And morale must be all right after the last couple of.
Speaker 2 (06:42):
Wins, absolutely, man, you know, we've we've done some good things.
Got a big win over Tadanaki on the road, so
you know, guys are feeling good. But you know, with
the upcoming tall Blacks qualifying for the Olympics, you know
it's going to be disruptive for a lot of teams.
You know, guys are going to be in and out
for a few weeks, so other guys are going to
(07:04):
have to step up, and you know, I'm sure it'll
have an effect on the playoffs and the standings and
at the end of the season.
Speaker 1 (07:11):
And as a willing to college old boy yourself, what's
it like being alongside Troy Plumtree, who's still at school
but making a real impact for the Saints team must
make you feel older a little.
Speaker 2 (07:19):
Bit absolutely, Man's I get caught uncle now these days,
which is kind of funny because it's just like it's
just happened so quick. But you know, seeing Troy being
a part of the group and obviously getting to know
him a little bit more, it's been great. You know,
obviously super talented and then you know, just trying to
give him some positive advice and I'm sure he'll make
(07:42):
the right decision and have a great career in basketball
as he goes through this journey.
Speaker 1 (07:46):
Yeah, well done, great to catch up, mate, Really appreciate
your time here on News talks EDB and great to
have you back and welling to mate. So all the
best for Sunday and thanks for jetting.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
Cheers Adam.
Speaker 3 (07:57):
For more from News Talk EDB, listen live on or online,
and keep our shows with you wherever you go with
our podcasts on iHeartRadio.
News talks there be well Veteran Wellington basketballer Dion prest
has been back in the Wellington Saints camp for the
last few games of the National Basketball League season. Most recently,
he's plied his trade as a coach in the Japanese
Basketball League. Dion Proster is with us down here on
the Ollsport Breakfast. Morning to you, Dion, and how nice
is it being back in Saints colors.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
It's been great obviously, homes home, so you know, seeing
familiar faces, family, friends, you know, peers and all that
kind of stuff. It's been good. So just enjoying it,
you know, one day at a time.
Speaker 1 (00:34):
And you've come back into the Saints team on the
back of a couple of years coaching in Japan. Can
you tell us a little bit about how that went
over there? And yeah, sort of have a couple of
years played.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
Out for you. Yeah, so obviously there's a New Zealand
connection there in Japan. Pauli henade as the head coach there,
so that's kind of how I ended up there, and
obviously Zico was there briefly as well, and yeah, it's
been a great experience, you know, obviously an assistant coach,
(01:04):
so you know, a lot of responsibility in terms of
you know, looking after players, helping with their skill development,
and just learning the game from a coaching perspective. It's
a massive learning curve. So you know, I've been fortunate
enough to work with poorly and learn a lot, and
now I get the opportunity to kind of, you know,
relive the player side of it, which is good too.
(01:25):
So you know, I can't complain.
Speaker 1 (01:27):
The Japanese league doesn't get too much publicity or coverage
in New Zealand. How big genuinely is it over there.
Speaker 2 (01:34):
It's actually really big. I mean, you know, they had
a lot of success with their national team in the
World Cup and then qualifying for the Olympics, and they
obviously have had two players I think one now player
in the NBA. So the league's growing. Obviously everyone knows
about the financial aspect that you know draws a lot
(01:55):
of people towards the league, and I think in time
it's just going to continue to grow with the amount
of teams and the you know, the amount of sponsorships
and stuff that are involved with the sport in Japan.
Speaker 1 (02:06):
Do you expect to see more kiwis go over there
and play Obviously you mentioned a fear a few use
you guys that have got over and coached, But but
could it be a more attractive option for some Kiwi
players over time?
Speaker 2 (02:15):
Absolutely? I think, you know, with the talent level that
we have in New Zealand, I think more and more
players will get opportunities to play, you know, outside of
Australia and New Zealand, and I think Japan will be
one of those leagues that you know, guys try to
get the foot in the door because I mean, yeah,
it's a great lifestyle obviously, like I said, financial aspects
(02:37):
that are really good, and I just think the competition
level and standard of player is going to keep continue
to grow.
Speaker 3 (02:45):
And what about living in Japan is general, is it
a good place to live?
Speaker 2 (02:49):
I mean, depending on who you ask, it might differ.
But for me, I really enjoy it. You know, it's
especially where we are. We're kind of not in a
big city, so it's kind of in the rural area,
so it's really easy to get around, fairly cheap to
do anything, so it's always good. And then obviously my
wife having ties to Japan makes it a little bit
(03:11):
more enjoyable as well. But yeah, I have no complaints
about being in Japan.
Speaker 3 (03:15):
Yeah, brilliant.
Speaker 1 (03:15):
Okay, so you mentioned the transition back from a coaching
mindset to a player mindset. The call came from Zico
or Jordan at the Saints set to come back here.
How has that transition being the last couple of weeks
as a player again, back back with your hometown team.
Speaker 2 (03:29):
It's been humbling for sure. You know, you know, thirty
four now, so the body doesn't bounce back like it
used to. But with that being said, like, it's been
awesome to be able to compete and get an opportunity
to play just because I genuinely love playing basketball, but
especially working with familiar faces like Jordan Mills. You know,
he's been really good with the Saints organization and obviously
(03:53):
Zico and all the wonderful things he's done, and even
some of the players that I've played with in the pass,
either here in Wellington or other clubs. Like, it's awesome
to see everyone you know thriving and growing and to
be a part of it. It's always good and hopefully
it can lead to something you know, you know, positive
at the end of the season.
Speaker 1 (04:10):
Yeah, I mean, you've been away for a couple of years.
But you've obviously been a multiple champion, You've been an
MVP in this league as well.
Speaker 3 (04:16):
How how has it changed in the couple of years
you've been away.
Speaker 2 (04:19):
I think the league's, you know, in terms of the presentation,
looks great. Obviously, there's you know a lot of young
talent and they're trying to I guess, you know, nurture
that talent through the rapid league, which is you know,
I'm just doing well, but yeah, like like anything, it
can always be better for me. I'm just happy to
(04:42):
see younger New Zealand players getting opportunities to shine and
you know, playing for the national team, guys like him,
Harris Isaiah you know, until he's doing really well, and
even some of the younger guys on the bench for
US money and just everybody just you know, growing and
hopefully that you know, basketball New Zealand can keep giving
(05:05):
opportunities to these guys because you know, it's a special
group of guys coming through.
Speaker 1 (05:11):
Indeed, and from your perspective, you've been part of a
couple of games. Now where is this team at in
terms of title credentials or being competitive in this competition?
Come the business endo, but it later in the season.
Speaker 2 (05:22):
I mean, there's no doubt I think we'll you know,
give it a good good shot at the playoffs. In
terms of winning a title, it's it's never an easy thing.
So you know, for us specifically, we've got a lot
of things to grow in, you know, on both ends
of the floor, defensively and offensively. A lot of that
is just you know, focus and discipline. But you know,
(05:44):
these things are hard to build into your habits in
order to be a champion. So you know we've got time.
But you know, the playoffs are going to be around
the corner, and there's a lot of teams playing really
good basketball. So you know, we've got our work cut out.
But I believe we have the group guys to be
able to get it done.
Speaker 1 (06:01):
Yeah. Great, and sitting third, hitting into the weekend, Franklin
back in fifth ahead of this big Sunday game at
tesp Arena. What kind of match up are you expecting
as you hit back to Wellie for this one?
Speaker 2 (06:11):
Nothing short of a competitive physical game. I wasn't a
part of the game last time when they played in Auckland,
but I got to watch the replay and just the
way the game was officiated. It was pretty physical and
I expect you know, Franklin coming in knowing that you know,
they need to, you know, make a final push for
the playoffs. They'll be ready to play, so, you know,
(06:34):
and most teams that come to Wellington want to beat
us anyway at home, so we'll be ready and I'm
sure Franklin will be too.
Speaker 3 (06:40):
And morale must be all right after the last couple of.
Speaker 2 (06:42):
Wins, absolutely, man, you know, we've we've done some good things.
Got a big win over Tadanaki on the road, so
you know, guys are feeling good. But you know, with
the upcoming tall Blacks qualifying for the Olympics, you know
it's going to be disruptive for a lot of teams.
You know, guys are going to be in and out
for a few weeks, so other guys are going to
(07:04):
have to step up, and you know, I'm sure it'll
have an effect on the playoffs and the standings and
at the end of the season.
Speaker 1 (07:11):
And as a willing to college old boy yourself, what's
it like being alongside Troy Plumtree, who's still at school
but making a real impact for the Saints team must
make you feel older a little.
Speaker 2 (07:19):
Bit absolutely, Man's I get caught uncle now these days,
which is kind of funny because it's just like it's
just happened so quick. But you know, seeing Troy being
a part of the group and obviously getting to know
him a little bit more, it's been great. You know,
obviously super talented and then you know, just trying to
give him some positive advice and I'm sure he'll make
(07:42):
the right decision and have a great career in basketball
as he goes through this journey.
Speaker 1 (07:46):
Yeah, well done, great to catch up, mate, Really appreciate
your time here on News talks EDB and great to
have you back and welling to mate. So all the
best for Sunday and thanks for jetting.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
Cheers Adam.
Speaker 3 (07:57):
For more from News Talk EDB, listen live on or online,
and keep our shows with you wherever you go with
our podcasts on iHeartRadio.
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