With domestic basketball games returning to Bendigo Stadium later this month, the Braves coach is keen to get his players back on court even though the NBL1 season has been cancelled.

"The most disappointing aspect of all this is the players missing out on playing,'' Hogan said.

"As coaches we can coach to any age, but a lot of the players have missed out on a prime year of their basketball careers.

"The hardest bit for me as a coach is seeing the young guys missing out on basketball.

"Basketball is only one aspect of their lives, so to get back into it will be a huge relief.

"Hopefully, we can accelerate the development of these younger guys at training."

The NBL1 season was one of the first major sporting leagues to be called off when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

In the past three months the Braves couldn't play basketball, but they made sure they remained united as a team.

"We were fortunate in one way that the call was made straight away before our season had started,'' Hogan said.

"We stuck together through some trivia nights on zoom and a few of the boys exercised together when they were able to.

"It showed as a team we have a strong culture, but it wasn't in ideal circumstances."

By the time the 2021 season comes around it will be 18 months without matches for the Braves, so Hogan sees the next few months as critical to the players' physical and mental wellbeing.

"We'll hit the court for some informal training and keep the guys engaged,'' Hogan said.

"We'll keep fitness levels up and keep their interest in the game...as much for their mental health more than anything.

"I know the guys have missed it, so it will be good to get back on court."

While Hogan has kept in regular touch with his squad, he's been kept busy away from basketball.

"The break probably came at a good time for me in that we've just moved house, business is growing, we have a nine-month-old with another baby on the way.

"My wife and I worked out the other day that this is the first time in 22 years we haven't had sport.

"While the break was okay for me, my concern rests with the players.

"I still engaged in some coaching clinics with some of our younger members and the Junior Braves.

"To see how keen those guys are on basketball is a bright sign for the future."

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