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25 June 2026  2 min read

BE Awards 2025: Player Development Coach of the Year

Paraskeva has been coach at Manchester Magic for a number of years, having previously progressed through the club as a player himself.

Widely recognised as one of the hardest-working and most dedicated coaches within the programme, Paraskeva currently oversees the U18s, EABL and an U12 side.

The EABL side progressed to the 2025/26 playoff finals after a 9-1 regular season, eventually coming up just short against North West rivals Myerscough College.

Paraskeva was named the North Conference's Coach of the Year for the season, and overseeing the development of MVP Demi Babalola and All-Conference choice Jack Walton has further enhanced his reputation as one of the game's elite development coaches.

Basketball England's Delivery Manager for Coaching, Brian Aldred, said:

"Tom has shown exceptional commitment to helping players maximise their potential and continue progressing throughout their basketball journey. 

"His coaching approach combines technical development with encouragement and support, helping players build confidence and improve both on and off the court. 

"Through his passion, leadership and dedication to development, Tom has positively influenced many athletes and helped create pathways for continued success."

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Paraskeva's recognition continues a 10-day period where national recipients of the 2025 Basketball England Awards will be announced, covering work from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

Winners from across BE's 10 regions were announced across April and May, with those recipients then shortlisted to narrow down the field for each national winner.

Paraskeva 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 Wednesday, 1 July 2026.

Find out more about the Basketball England awards