High Performance Basketball Development & Pathways Coach
Athlete Development-Skill + decision making + performance/Team & Culture-Buy-in, discipline, standards/Pathways-AAU, PNG, international exposure
Coach Development-Mentoring, systems, education As the National Coaching Director for Papua New Guinea (PNG), he leads the High-Performance Pathway and spearheads the development of elite PNG athletes through the GDC Basketball Kumul Academy. With a wealth of coaching experience spanning Junior and Senior National Teams, Coach De La Cruz has represented PNG in FIBA tournaments, including the U17 FIBA Oceania Championships and Pacific Games. His leadership has also extended to coaching teams in prestigious AAU tournaments in Las Vegas and Arizona. From U12 representative teams to NBL1 programs, he brings a diverse skill set and unmatched dedication to player development. Renowned for his expertise in fostering team culture and building pathways for international success, Coach De La Cruz continues to inspire the next generation of athletes while ensuring PNG Basketball competes at the highest levels.
