Frankston Blues’ NBL1 South Men’s Head Coach, Andrew Harms, and Assistant Coach, Adam Jackson, have taken their coaching expertise to new heights, leading the Punjab Warriors in the Indian National Basketball League (INBL). The duo is playing a crucial role in developing talent in the growing basketball scene in India while showcasing Frankston’s influence on the international stage.
Harms, who has embraced this unique coaching opportunity, has spoken highly of the experience so far.
“The experience has been fantastic! Naturally, India is a lot different to Australia and the players took a few days to adjust to the rhythm of how New Delhi works. The people have been really welcoming and cultural experiences have been unbelievable. We have had a short lead-up with our teams and minimal time on the floor with all our Indian players, as they have had National Team commitments alongside INBL Pro, so that has been a challenge to date,” Harms shared.
The INBL, (also known as InBL Pro U25), serves as a developmental professional basketball league in India. It has quickly established itself as a competitive proving ground for emerging talent. One of the major distinctions Harms has observed is the style of play.
“The differences in league is the physicality! INBL Pro games allow players to be very hands-on defensively, and you have to finish through a lot of contact. You have to maintain a certain amount of Indian players on the court at all times, so tactically that has been a new experience.”
The Frankston’s relationship with Indian basketball started with the 2023 with an exhibition game between the Blues and INBL. In 2024, the Blues Men traveled to India to play in an exhibition game which served and the beginning of the Indian basketball league. Now, some of our players are competing in the inaugural INBL season. Key figures such as 2024 captain Lucas Barker, 2024 import forward Stokley Chaffee Junior, Blues’ junior Tom Garrett, and recently departed star Lachlan Barker are making their mark.
Harms is optimistic about the future of the partnership between Frankston Blues and Indian basketball.
“Frankston (Blues) has formed a great relationship with Indian basketball from our experience last year playing their national team. We have great representation here in the INBL Pro League and we will continue to work with Indian basketball moving forward.”
As Harms and Jackson guide the Punjab Warriors through the INBL season, their presence not only benefits their team but also strengthens the international connection between Frankston and Indian basketball. With talent and opportunities continuing to grow, this collaboration promises exciting prospects for both programs in the years to come.
The Punjab Warriors played their first game earlier this week going down 65-77. Find out more information about INBL via their website