Alex Stojkovic Named New Pouākai Head Coach

In a move that shifts the landscape of Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa, the ProBuild ITM Mainland Pouākai are excited to announce the appointment of Head Coach Alex Stojkovic.

“I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity to lead the Mainland Pouākai in the upcoming Tauihi season,” said Stojkovic. “I’ve always had great respect for what the Harrison family has built here in Christchurch. The combination of the Rams, Pouākai, and Mainland Eagles is a true blueprint for how a basketball ecosystem should be built, and I’m looking forward to contributing to the strong foundation already in place.”

“I’m also excited to be coming to Christchurch – a region so rich in basketball tradition – with a passionate community and proud history of success. My goal is to develop a genuine connection between the team, our fans, and the city – a connection built on pride, passion, and purpose. We want to create something special here: a team that plays with relentless energy and intensity every single time we step on the floor.”

Stojkovic is rich in New Zealand basketball experience, most recently leading the Tauranga Whai to their first-ever Tauihi championship with a 90-71 win over the Tokomanawa Queens. With the Whai, he orchestrated a fast-paced offence that led the league in scoring, three-point makes, and offensive rebounding. Uniquely, the team also prioritised the development of local talent, fielding an all-New Zealand lineup in the Rapid League. This approach not only showcased Kiwi talent, but proved that success and player development can go hand-in-hand.

“Alex has strong alignment with our club vision of the Mainland Pouākai in supporting the development of future Tall Ferns players who can go on to US college opportunities and become year-round overseas professionals,” said Pouākai GM Caleb Harrison. 

In his role as Director of Basketball, he was instrumental in establishing the Whai Academy. The academy has already produced senior internationals in its short time, as well as numerous development players for the men’s and women’s national league teams.

“Alex has provided the Whai region with strong leadership in building the Whai Academy and in particular developing emerging national team players who contributed significantly to the Whai’s Tauihi success last season,” added Harrison. “We are excited to have Rams head coach Quinn Clinton leading the boys of the Mainland Eagles Academy and working closely with Alex Stojkovic who will be leading the girls of the academy.”

“Having a Women’s head coach who will be leading the academy girls year-round will further strengthen pathways for the emerging girls in our region. We are looking forward to both Alex & Quinn continuing to grow a system of development through the Mainland Eagles Academy that provides our junior players the skill sets to grow into players that will thrive with the demands of how the future of the game will be played.”

Stojkovic brings over 20 years of head coaching experience, with national titles across age-group, high school, 3×3, and Tauihi competitions.

“Our style of play will be high-octane and unselfish. We’ll value teamwork, pace, and will compete every possession. We’re committed to providing opportunities for local players to shine on the national stage, and we want to make Cowles Stadium a true fortress,” added Stojkovic.

“With the Mainland Pouākai playing a style which will require all players to be able to run, defend, pass, dribble and shoot in the full court at speed, we will be able to develop high level decision makers who can meet the demands of the game on the national team level or playing professionally overseas.” explained Harrison. “This style of play that values skill & decision making at speed will reward our kiwi roster with opportunity to play & develop and will allow us to develop our locals by playing a deep bench.”

On the matter of offseason recruitment Stojkovic said, “When it comes to recruiting and building a roster, I’m looking for players who are hungry, unselfish, and relentless. Our identity starts with effort and character. We want smart decision-makers who are willing to play for each other and compete at both ends. If we get that right, the results will follow.”

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, the ProBuild ITM Mainland Pouākai are focused on building upon the success of last season and continuing to foster a team and culture that Christchurch can be proud of. Stojkovic will join the Pouākai in August following the conclusion of the Tauranga Whai’s Sal’s NBL season.