Cheshire Phoenix head coach John Coffino says his new-look side have to hit the ground running if they are to live up to their billing as one of the BBL title favourites this season.

Coffino is in his first week in the Phoenix hotseat, having flown over from New York at the weekend to begin his new role at the Northgate Arena.

After acquiring a number of talented players over the summer, including the likes of former NBA D-Leaguers Renaldo Major and Sasa Cuic, Coffino knows that expectations are high for the Nix to be among the silverware come the end of the season.

Coffino, whose side begin their BBL campaign at home to Leicester Riders on Sunday, September 28, has put pressire on himself to deliver on his excellent reputation this term and says he feet have barely touched the ground since he arrived on UK shores.

“It’s been a wild start and I’ve met so many people here already, although I’m still learning to get to grips with you guys driving on the left,” said the affable New Yorker.

“I’ve been out meeting businesses, trying to get people to help us out with sponsorship and trying to promote the Phoenix in the community.

“It’s all been so surreal. The people have treated me so nice. I haven’t even done anything yet, but the support I have received has been overwhelming.

“The fans have high expectations and it is now down to me to make sure that those expectations are met.”

Coffino was appointed Nix head coach back in June on a two-year deal, replacing John Lavery who has remained with the BBL side as assistant coach, as well as heading up the organisation’s community programme.

Bronx native Coffino has coached NCAA Division One teams in the USA, as well as having a spell as head coach at NBA D-League outfit Albuquerque Thunderbirds between 2008 and 2010.

His last coaching job was at the Dankind Academy in Nairobi, Kenya, a programme that offers victims of poverty and refugees in West Africa the opportunity to play basketball and receive high-quality coaching.

With his American signing such as Major, Aleek Pauline, Demond Watt and Brad Karp all flying in to join up with their new team-mates this weekend, Coffino says that the hard work begins now.

“We have no time to waste,” he said.

“We’ll be going at it straighaway as the players have got to get their legs as other teams have had a bit of a jump on us in terms of their preparation for the season.

“I’m extremely excited about starting. I am anxious to start and a bit nervous. But it’s a good nervous.”

“The setup here is great. It’s very much like the D-League in the fact that you have to get out there in to the community, get people interested and engage with them.

“I love that side of it. I don’t sit down, I don’t quit. If I’m not at practise with guys or courtside, I’m out and about meeting people and working hard for the organisation.”

Coffino has already made himself at home in his new surroundings and even paid a visit to Chester FC’s home win over Macclesfield Town on Saturday.

“Chester is a beautiful city and it reminds me of the Hamptons in New York,” he said.

“I’ve not had chance to do any sightseeing or anything like that, but I did attend the Chester soccer match, which was fantastic.”

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