New Head Coach to take over Bulls as "Coach Dan" steps down.

"Coach Dan" coaching the Bulls during the 2023 season - Photo / @gamefacenz

The Franklin Bulls would like to thank Head Coach, Daniel Sokolovsky for his service to the club and acknowledge his dedication and hard work as head coach and leader of the Franklin Bulls programs.

Coach Sokolovsky will be stepping down as Head Coach of the Franklin Bulls to pursue opportunities back home and reconnect with family after 7 years coaching around the world.

The club and the community were witness to a historic 2023 season under coach Sokolovsky’s leadership, with the team finishing with a 12-6 record, tied for second on points, in the regular season and earning a Semi-final berth.

Dan also helped the club and the Bulls players achieve milestones including first away wins against the Sharks and Saints, and Home wins against the Tuatara and Giants. In 2023 he became the winningest coach in club history and also helped Isaac Davidson celebrate his 50th SalsNBL game and the first player to play 50 NBL games for the club.

“It was his relationships in the community that have endeared him to the club and wider basketball family. His connection with youth players at camps and junior players was appreciated by the wider basketball whānau and his connection with fans will leave an indelible mark on the club’s history.“ Says Co-founder of the Bulls, Jamie Reddish.

“We are sad that Dan has decided to end his time as Head Coach. He’s been an amazing leader and with all the challenges we threw at him this year, he carried the mantel of HeadCoach with the utmost professionalism and character.” Adds Reddish

Photo by Render Creative

“We want to wish Dan all the best for his future coaching roles and while he’s stepping down, we have asked him to continue to be part of our future to support the transition to our new head coach. But he’ll always be part of the family and have a home here in Franklin.“ Says co-founder Scott Kelso.

"Coach Dan, as he’s known around Pukekohe, will be missed around the area. In such a short amount of time he has helped us achieve so much and helped us see who we are and who we want to be. It has been special. We wish him all the best for future coaching gigs, but in the meantime he’s not far away, as he’s still with the New Zealand Breakers." Adds Kelso

Read Coach Dan’s farewell letter to the club and the community here