Coach Q & A with Sandro Palleschi

2025-2026 Team:
U12 Belleville Spirits

Years Coaching Basketball:
20 years, 18 with the Spirits

Playing Background:
I played volleyball and ball hockey as a kid. I got involved in coaching when my daughters started to play school and competitive basketball in London, Ontario

Favourite Basketball Drill:
2on2 Frenzy – it’s a fast-paced drill that works on transition, offense, defense, passing, outlets, closeouts, rebounding. The kids love this drill

Top 3 Qualities You Want in a Player:
1. Quickness
2. Intensity at both ends of the court
3. Committed to working hard in practice

Favourite Basketball Memory:
Watching the U16s win the Provincial Championship with Coaches Tom Callahan, Darryl Drain, and Jeff Bechervaise. Most of those players started with me back in Grade 5 and 6, Tom was gracious enough to ask me to give out the gold medals at the end of the game

Basketball Pet Peeve:
Wasting time in practice
Not paying attention
Not giving 100%

Pre-Game Playlist Must-Have:
AC/DC, Thunderstruck

Favourite Thing to Do Outside of Basketball:
Hang out with the grandkids, particularly swimming together at our cottage

Favourite Current Player:
Paige Bueckers