With an NBL career spanning 13 years, 359 games (not one missed through injury), five teams and three championships, Rupert Sapwell brings a wealth of playing experience to the table.

Nominated as a coaching candidate for the Dragons late last week, Roo has a unique perspective on Australian hoops.

What's your take on the NBL's newest franchise?

The Tigers are an exciting group this season, but they’re not the team for everyone. Victorian junior basketball is massive and from a development point of view, an extra team means twelve more opportunities for the scores of talented young kids who’re hitting a glass ceiling when they get to an NBL level.

As far as a fan goes, I was the biggest fan back in the day. I think the accessibility of Australian basketball has always been its strong point and seeing that there’ll be ten extra professional basketballers also means there’ll be ten extra role models for Victorian players.

Having the rivalry back in Victoria is exciting in itself. I remember those Tigers-Magic games where there were 13,500 at Rod Laver arena and the place was pumping - there was a buzz about basketball.

What's your view on coaching in the NBL, and how would you appeal to a new franchise?

I’m living proof that if you accept a role you can have a long and fruitful career. I think I can appeal to players on a number of levels. Firstly, I was a bench player so I’ve automatically got the past history to appeal to the role players on the roster. I’ve also got the championships that will appeal to anyone. In that respect I think I was able to get the ear of most of the players I’ve played with. They respected the fact that I’d won, but also respected the fact that I’d done it the hard way.

Often in basketball you get a superstar coach who has no idea what a bench player is going through. Whereas I come from the other end in terms of not knowing what it’s like to be a star player (laughs).

What defined your playing style?

I always tried to take pride in looking after the things I could take care of, those being my approach to the game and the effort I put in off the court as well. Treating yourself like a professional.

The only thing I had was my conscience as a player and if I didn’t feel I was turning over every stone to look for ways to improve I didn’t feel I was worth it. I know very well that’s what got me contracts. I bring proof of a work ethic to the table.

Rupert Sapwell spoke with Craig Huxtable of the South Dragons.