Coaching was something that was always at the back of my mind. The last five or six years of my career in particular. I was always thinking “how would I handle this situation as a coach?” and "what play would I call in this situation?" I’ve practiced time-outs and drawing up plays and that's something that I’ve always known I’d eventually be doing.

If you’re a great player that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re going to be a great coach. There are some that have done it, but there are some that have chosen to not even go that route. For me it’s something I always wanted to do. I enjoy helping people get better. That’s the reason I played the game, to make people around me better and I think that’s one of the traits I would easily carry over to coaching.

I think communication is a big thing. I think it’s a trait that a lot of good coaches have. I think attention to detail is also trait that a lot of successful coaches have. And I think the passion with which you operate is common with a lot of good coaches.

I have a bachelor's degree in political science and a masters degree in educational leadership, which is basically teaching. Bottom line – coaching is teaching and I believe I have the skills to relate my knowledge of the game.

This season I’ve been working out and mentoring the young guys. With the Wildcats, that’s basically as large a role as I wanted, I didn’t want a larger role. I give them advice not only on the court but off the court as well. I teach them how to play their opponent, workout routines and help devise a plan to help them get better in the long term.

I’ve always been active as a communicator, as far as promoting the game. At times with the Wildcats I was going to over a hundred schools a season, spreading the word and getting kids excited about basketball, which is important.

In America they have a term 'lifer' – someone who lives, eats and thinks the sport. That’s kind of what I am. I’m constantly thinking about situations, games, it’s in my blood.

Grace spoke with Craig Huxtable, southdragons.com.au