Patrick Kaas new head coach of United Basketball Men's team

BEMMEL – Following the departure of Jeroen van Vugt, who signed with Rotterdam City Basketball, United Basketball has managed to quickly appoint a strong successor. The 37-year-old Patrick Kaas will take charge as head coach of the Gelderland basketball club’s Promotiedivisie team.

Patrick Kaas started his coaching career at Crackerjacks in Amersfoort, where he coached teams at regional and national level. In recent years he was active at Hot Pepper Heat in Zwanenburg. There he guided the U22 team from the Tweede Divisie, via the Dutch Talent League, to the Promotiedivisie. In the three years the team was led by Kaas, it reached the play-offs twice and even the final once. He also gained international experience by taking part in the European Youth Basketball League with Hot Pepper Heat’s M20 and M23 teams.

“It’s an important role that we were fortunately able to fill with Patrick,” says Chantal Verheijden, chair of GET United. “From the Academy, we want to create more connection towards the first men’s team. Patrick’s qualities and insights fit that perfectly. Patrick will not only focus on Heren 1, but will also be involved in talent development within the Academy. That development is needed to hopefully take the step to a place in the Dutch Eredivisie next season.”

Patrick Kaas is looking forward to getting to work in Bemmel: “These are big shoes to fill after last year’s championship, especially the way it was won, but I’m really looking forward to it. The club is working hard on the next step in its development, and it’s great to join such a professional organisation; I’m happy to contribute to that. I had a great time at Hot Pepper Heat, but after many years it was time for a new, fresh environment. I’m looking forward to connecting the youth with the seniors in the coming years and, together, building further on the development of basketball in Gelderland.”