Title: Florian Held Extends Contract as Assistant Coach for Uni Baskets
Subtitle: Young coach Florian Held commits to two more years with the team
Date: June 19, 2023
Florian Held, a 28-year-old basketball coach, has decided to extend his contract as an assistant coach for the Uni Baskets in Paderborn. Held will continue to work alongside head coach Steven Esterkamp in the upcoming 2023/24 season of the Barmer 2nd Bundesliga.
Held comes from a basketball-oriented family, with his older brother Christian leading the Rostock Seawolves to promotion in the BBL, and their father Ralph serving as an assistant coach. Two other siblings are also involved in basketball coaching. Florian began his basketball career in Trier and later moved to Oldenburg. Unfortunately, his promising playing career was cut short due to injury.
However, Held remained dedicated to the sport and quickly transitioned into coaching. He gained experience as an assistant coach in Oldenburg before joining the Uni Baskets in Paderborn. Under the guidance of Martin Krüger, he served as an assistant coach in the 2nd regional league and the NBBL. In the 2020/21 season, Held worked with the ProA team under head coach Esterkamp and officially became the assistant coach of the Uni Baskets in September 2021.
Expressing his excitement about the contract extension, Held stated, “I’m really looking forward to working as an assistant coach in Paderborn for the next two years. I feel very comfortable here and look forward to continuing the successful cooperation with Steven and the whole organization. Thanks to those responsible at the Baskets, who continue to place their trust in me and give me this opportunity. I hope that we can really get going again with a new team as soon as possible and build on the success of the past few years.”
Head coach Steven Esterkamp also expressed his happiness about Held’s decision to stay, emphasizing his enthusiasm for working with young players and their development both on and off the court. Esterkamp believes that Held’s commitment to the team’s progress extends beyond the players, as he strives for personal and club growth. The two coaches complement each other perfectly and have developed a strong game philosophy together.
Baskets managing director Dominik Meyer also expressed his confidence in Held’s abilities, stating, “Florian Held and Steven Esterkamp work really well together as a team. I have personally noticed in the past two years how well this cooperation has developed. That’s why we decided to extend Florian for two years in order to ensure consistency at the coaching level in the near future, which we are also striving for with the composition of the squad.”
The contract extension is a testament to the Uni Baskets’ commitment to nurturing talented individuals for professional basketball, whether as players or coaches. Florian’s work and dedication have earned him the trust and support of the head coach and the organization. The team is excited to have him on board for two more years and is confident in his potential for a successful career.
In conclusion, Florian Held’s decision to extend his contract as an assistant coach for the Uni Baskets in Paderborn is a positive development for the team. With his experience and dedication, Held will continue to contribute to the team’s success and the development of young players. The contract extension reflects the strong working relationship between Held and head coach Steven Esterkamp, as well as the organization’s commitment to consistency and growth at the coaching level.
How will Florian Held’s contract extension contribute to the Uni Baskets’ goal of building on their progress from last season and achieving even greater success in the upcoming seasons?
Build on the progress we made last season and achieve even greater success in the upcoming seasons.”
Head coach Steven Esterkamp also expressed his satisfaction with the contract extension, saying, “Florian has been an integral part of our coaching staff and has shown great dedication and knowledge of the game. I am delighted that he has decided to extend his contract and continue contributing to the development of our team. His experience and insights will be invaluable as we strive for success in the Barmer 2nd Bundesliga.”
Florian Held’s contract extension comes at a time when the Uni Baskets are focused on strengthening their coaching staff and building a competitive team. With Florian’s commitment for the next two years, the organization can expect continuity and stability in their coaching approach.
As an assistant coach, Held will continue to play a crucial role in developing player skills, analyzing game strategies, and providing support to the head coach in various aspects of team management. His passion for basketball and his experience as both a player and a coach make him a valuable asset to the Uni Baskets.
The upcoming season will be an exciting one for Florian Held and the Uni Baskets in Paderborn. With the contract extension in place, they can now focus on further improving their performance and making their mark in the Barmer 2nd Bundesliga. Held’s dedication and commitment to the team’s success make him an important figure in their pursuit of excellence.
Congrats to Florian Held on his contract extension! Excited to see the positive impact he brings to Uni Baskets in the upcoming season. Go team!