Rio 2016: US-born D’Tigers coach Voigt Aims Olympic Glory Ahead Argentina clash

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After he led Nigeria to its first ever Afrobasket title, the championship of Africa, Will Voigt is hoping to break more grounds at the 2016 Summer Olmypic basketball event as they start off campaign against Argentina on Sunday.

Voigt has recorded lot of success in his basketball coaching career which led him to Norway, back to Vermont as the first head coach of the Vermont Frost Heaves, to the NBA’s Developmental League, then to China, and for the last year as the head coach of the Nigerian men’s national team.

“I guess that this stage I’m almost used to having these kind of wonderful, and at the same time, unique coaching jobs,” Voigt said.

It was during his time coaching the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA’s D-League that Voigt worked with several top Nigerian players, and when the head coaching position opened for the national team, those players pushed for the Federation to hire Will.

“When we got to that final moment and you’re on the podium I think it kind of hits you at that point,” Voigt said. “But there’s no question that it’s a moment that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

Voigt led the Vermont Frost Heaves to a pair of American Basketball Association titles in the first two years of the team’s existence. He says he sees a lot of similarities in the two achievements

“Anytime you are a part of something special, in all walks of life, it stays with you forever. Certainly the connection I have with everyone associated with the Frost Heaves championships is kind of similar to this. A special group of guys, special staff, a lot of people making a lot of sacrifices to get there.”

Although he says taking part in the opening ceremonies will be an amazing experience, Voigt insists that this is a work trip for him. While he’d love to spend time attending other events and soaking in the Olympic atmosphere, he’ll be on the court practicing or in a room breaking down film preparing for his next game when his team isn’t in action. Still, Voigt says the years on the sidelines have changed him and that he appreciates what a special moment and opportunity this is.

“I think our goal is to be the first African team ever to get out of the group stage. We understand that the path will be difficult. But also, we have a really great group of guys. And I think with time and maturity on my end, I’ve learned to step back and appreciate that part a little bit more. The younger version of me was nose to the ground…just work, work, work, work, work. Now I try to enjoy the players and the comaraderie that they have a little bit more, which has been a lot more fulfilling.”

Nigeria begins group play against Argentina at 9:30 p.m. Sunday, August 7th.

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