Chris Wilson
Chris is Head Coach for the Men’s Basketball Programme. Chris has coached basketball for over 15 years at all ages groups from primary school to senior men. He has coached and mentored many players that have represented junior national teams and gained scholarships in US colleges. There are a number of Chris’ former junior players now playing professionally in Europe. His previous experience includes Assistant Coach to Wales U20 Men’s team, North West Regional Boys Assistant Coach, winning the Basketball England National Cup and reaching 3 National Finals as the Head Coach of U16 and U18 boys teams. Since joining the programme in 2012, it has the University has British Universities and Colleges Sport Northern Conference League 2A in twice, and back to back BUCS Northern Conference Cups in 2017 and 2018. He also played a pivotal role in the University entering a team comprising of current students and alumni in the Basketball England National League in 2014 to complement the current programme by enabling players to compete more regularly. The team were instantly successful winning the Division 4 North West Division, reaching the Playoff Final and gaining promotion to Division 3. Chris is a UKCC Level 3 Coach.
Niel Gillard
Niel is the Coach of the BUCS First Team. In his debut season as Coach, the BUCS First team won their Conference earning promotion to Division 1 and won the BUCS Northern Conference Cup. In his second season, the team reach the quarter-finals of the BUCS Trophy and finished 3rd in Division 1, missing out on top spot in the final game of the season. Niel graduated from Chester in 2014 with a degree in law, alongside coaching he continues to study towards a PhD in Law and is also a current member of the National League side. Niel draws upon a wealth of experience playing in England. He has represented the England National Teams at U16 and U18 age groups and played for the Cheshire Phoenix in the British Basketball League and Manchester Magic who are in Basketball England National League Division 1. Niel is a UKCC Level 3 Coach.
