A dedicated developer of talent across both male and female teams, Drane has been a highly-respected elite player development coach for a number of seasons, bringing through the likes of Maya and Ethan Price, Esther Little, Sam Newman, Harriet Welham and many more.
Collecting a number of National Championships across multiple competitions, Drane is well-known for building great relationships with his players and really driving them to achieve the best that they can achieve.
Working as hard as ever, the Ipswich man is still heavily involved at both EABL and WEABL level, plus the WNBL and Jnr. NBL as well, plus regionally and as a mentor to other coaches within the game.
The number of players playing professionally, at college or University both here and abroad, or still in the system at Ipswich or Copleston, is vast, further emphasising Drane's impact on the game.
"Nick repeatedly continues to develop talented players season-by-season at all levels. Many have then progressed to showcase their skills along the talent pathway at regional, national and international level.
"Having joined the club in the early 2000's, Nick originally coached on the boys' programme before moving over to build a very successful girls programme.
"The list of players playing at representative and senior levels is testament to Nick's coaching, and well done to him for this year's award."
Drane's recognition continues an eight-day period where national recipients of the 2024 Basketball England Awards will be announced.
Winners from across BE's ten regions were announced across April and May, with those recipients then shortlisted to narrow down the field for each national winner.
Drane and others will be recognised for their achievements over the coming days, leading up to another cohort of selections being celebrated with their "Services to Basketball" awards on Monday, 7 July 2025.
.
.
