He will get the chance this coming season after University of Canberra Capitals head coach Carrie Graf brought him on board two weeks ago as an assistant coach.

“It has been a life time dream of mine to coach professionally since I began my coaching career some 24 years ago when I was just 16 years of age,” he said. 

“To be given this opportunity by Carrie and the UC Capitals is truly amazing and I’m very grateful and excited to be part of such a well established program,” he added.

Balsar has had a well distinguished coaching career to date especially here in his home town of Nowra, steering the Shoalhaven Tigers State League Women’s team to back-to-back titles in 2007 and 2008.

He was at the helm of the Tiger men’s program where in 2011 he took them to their first grand final appearance in the NSW State League competition in 22 years. He backed this up in 2013 with the men but just fell short again in the final series where he and his team bowed out in the final four semi finals.

In 2005, Balsar created history with his NSW Country U18 Women’s state team winning a national championship in Perth- the first time ever a NSW Country Women’s side had won a national title from this history making event.

Balsar was named the Basketball NSW Coach of the Year which was then topped off at the Basketball Australia National Awards where he picked up the highly prestigious Basketball Australia National Junior Male Coach of the Year which he is still very proud of today. 

When asked why the University of Canberra Capitals Balsar said: “To have the chance to work under a great coach like Carrie is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The UC Capitals are a very professional and well established club, so to get an insight and be involved in this team is a huge bonus,” he said.

Balsar will make the trip to the nation’s capital for practice each week and will attend all of their home games.

The UC Capitals have been in full training for a few weeks now and have put together a very talented group of players for the upcoming Wattle Valley 2014-15 WNBL season. The big calling card this season is undoubtedly securing the services of one of the best female basketballers in the world in Lauren Jackson who has signed a two-year deal.

Alongside Jackson are returning players Abby Bishop and Jess Bibby. Bishop is in great condition and will be looking to come out firing for the 2014-15 season. While veteran guard Bibby, who has played 350 WNBL games will be looking to guide the UC Capitals into the playoffs. She will be well supported by the signing of veteran guard Kristen Veal who signed with the club after Logan Thunder folded at the end of the 2013-14 season. Veal said she’s excited to be back in Canberra after claiming the clubs first WNBL championship alongside Jackson some 15 years ago.

2013 WNBL Rookie of the Year Stephanie Talbot has added the athleticism and more size to the line-up that the UC Capitals have needed and she will be backed up by Opals star Hanna Zavecz who also comes to the club after the Logan Thunder folded.

Veteran forwards Michelle Cosier and Carly Wilson will also make their return in UC Capitals colours and will bring depth, experience and on court knowledge. This is a must if the UC Capitals are to make the finals this season. With the group that has been put together this season Balsar is confident it has the makings of a championship team.

“To have the opportunity to work with some of the best female basketballers in the country is a real plus,” he said. “I have had the opportunity to coach Lauren Jackson in her early junior career and now to be back there when she is at the peak of her game is really exciting. There’s a great vibe amongst the team so I have a good feeling about the upcoming season,” he said.

The University of Canberra Capitals are playing a pre-season game in Nowra tomorrow night (Saturday September 27) against the Sydney Uni Flames at the Bomaderry Basketball Stadium. Tipoff is at 5pm.

The players and coaching staff will also be conducting a super skills clinic at the stadium from 11am – 1.30pm free of charge for children aged 7 – 16 years of age. To pre-register please contact Cheryl Hunter at the stadium on 4421 3800.

General admission tickets will be on sale at the door on the night and cost $5 an adult, $3 a child without a free clinic ticket and $10 a family of 4 (2 adults and 2 children) seats will be limited so make sure you get there early.

There is also a great deal on corporate boxes. Enjoy the action and experience courtside to see the University of Canberra Capitals take on the Sydney Uni Flames, with catering for eight people for just $100. To book a box please contact Scott Balsar on 0412 770 713.