Roderick Vella named head coach of Malta 3×3 basketball teams

Roderick Vella has been appointed Head Coach of the Malta men’s and women’s 3×3 teams.

Vella’s appointment means that he will lead both the men’s and women’s teams in the 3×3 competitions at this year’s Games of the Small States of Europe, to be held in Andorra from May 26 to 31.

A former national team player, Vella is one of the most respected basketball coaches in Malta, moving through the ranks in a gradual and consistent manner.

At the 2023 Malta GSSE, he was the assistant coach of Angela Adamoli for the 3×3 national teams, further enhancing his experience.

Over the past four years, Vella has held various coaching posts at national level, namely as assistant coach of the men’s team at two FIBA tournaments and assistant coach of the women’s team at the 2023 GSSE as well as heading the coaching staff of the U18 and U16 women’s national teams.

Vella has also been involved in club coaching for several years and recently guided the Luxol women’s team to the Under 23 championship title.

Paul Sultana, the Malta Basketball Association president, said: “The decision to hand this role to Roderick Vella was motivated by our conviction that he has the right credentials for this job.

“Since the very first day of his ongoing coaching journey with the various national selections, Roderick has stood out for his dedication, his game knowledge and his willingness to learn and improve.

“His meticulous preparation and approach for training sessions and games further strengthened his candidacy for this role as they are fundamental aspects of coaching, especially at international level.

“3×3 basketball is growing fast and we believe that the appointment of a coach who is very receptive to new concepts and trends, along with his drive to evolve, represents the best way to raise the standards of our national teams.”

Commenting on his appointment, Vella said: “First of all, I am grateful to the Malta Basketball Association for the opportunity. 3×3 is somewhat different to 5vs5 basketball but thanks to the experience I had two years ago with coach Angela Adamoli combined with my long-standing interest in the 3×3 game, I can say that I am looking forward to this new challenge with a very positive mindset.”