Most WantedBasketball Coach
Dutch 1st Edition
Designed to recognise and reward the most respected and appreciated basketball coaches in the Netherlands.
People who build the game — Coaches.
Through their attitude, knowledge, character and commitment, coaches build teams — and entire environments around the game.
That is why we want to recognise and reward them by giving them an opportunity for further development.
Defining "Most Wanted"
Not the most trophies, but the biggest long-term impact.
For us, "Most Wanted" does not necessarily mean a coach working at the highest possible level, or someone with the most trophies. It means a coach…
- players enjoy working with
- who attracts people to basketball
- who has a positive impact on player development
Goals of the project
More than naming the best.
By founding the Most Wanted Basketball Coach Award, Orange Ball United Athletes wants to do more than identify the most respected coaches:
- Promote positive role models
- Support basketball development
- Increase engagement within clubs and local communities
In cooperation with
In cooperation with the EuroLeague Head Coaches Board (EHCB)
From the very beginning, our goal was to create an award that offers coaches more than recognition.
We wanted to give them a real opportunity to continue learning and developing.
We are therefore proud that the EuroLeague Head Coaches Board (EHCB) has decided to support the initiative and actively join the project.
Together with the EHCB, we are able to offer educational experiences that no Dutch basketball coach has previously received through a community award.
The awards
Three coaches. Three unforgettable experiences.
The three coaches receiving the highest number of community votes will be awarded:
1st Place
- Full scholarship for the EHCB Coaches Academy – 8th Generation
- Participation in the 2027 EHCB Coaches Congress
- Travel, accommodation and congress access included
2nd Place
- Participation in the 2027 EHCB Coaches Congress
- Travel, accommodation and congress access included
3rd Place
- Participation in the 2027 EHCB Coaches Congress
- Travel, accommodation and congress access included
Nomination & voting
Community-driven. Verified. Credible.
- Open nominationAnyone can nominate a coach — players, parents, clubs or fellow coaches. Candidates can be nominated using the application form. Nominations are open now until 20 December 2026. Candidates are added to the list on a rolling basis.
- VerificationEvery nomination is verified before going public. We contact each nominated coach and their club.
- Official profileA coach is added to the public list only after successful verification and their own approval. From that moment, the candidate can start collecting votes.
- VotingOnce profiles are public, the community decides. Players, parents, clubs and fellow coaches can all cast their vote for the coach who has made the biggest difference. Voting runs 26 September 2026 – 31 January 2027. Winners announced on 17 February 2027 — Michael Jordan’s birthday 🏀.
Stay tuned.
Follow Orange Ball United Athletes — and nominate the coach you believe in.
Nominate a coach
Send us a nomination using the form below. We verify every nomination before anything goes public.
Legal
Official Competition Rules
The full rulebook — eligibility, voting, prizes, personal data, tie-break — is published in English and Dutch. Please read it before you nominate a coach or cast a vote.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the MWBCA – Dutch 1st Edition take place?
Coaches can be nominated until 20 December 2026. Voting opens on 26 September 2026 and closes on 31 January 2027.
Who can nominate a coach?
Anyone aged 16 or older can nominate a coach. If you are under 16, please ask an adult to submit the nomination on your behalf.
Can coaches nominate themselves?
No. We want every nomination to be a sign of appreciation received from someone else.
Can one person nominate more than one coach?
Yes. You can nominate more than one coach. However, you can cast only one vote during the voting period.
Who can be nominated?
A nominee must currently coach a team participating in an official competition in the Netherlands. The level does not matter – coaches from both the highest and lowest levels of competition are eligible.
Can a 3x3 or wheelchair basketball coach be nominated?
Yes. Coaches from any official form of basketball can be nominated, provided that they currently coach a team participating in an official competition in the Netherlands.
Does a nominee have to be at least 18 years old?
Yes. A nominee must be at least 18 years old by the date on which the results are announced: 17 February 2027.
Is submitting a nomination enough for a coach to enter the competition?
No. After receiving a nomination, Orange Ball United Athletes will carry out an initial verification and contact the coach and their club. The coach will be added to the competition only after their eligibility has been confirmed and they have agreed to participate.
How quickly will a coach appear on the candidate list?
As soon as possible. We first need to verify the nomination, contact the coach and their club, and receive the coach’s consent to participate.
What happens if several people nominate the same coach?
The coach will be added to the list only once. Additional nominations of the same person will not count as extra votes or affect their position in the ranking.
Does a nomination also count as a vote?
No. A nomination submits a coach for participation in the competition. A vote must be cast separately after the candidate has been published on the MWBCA page.
Can coaches still be nominated after voting has started?
Yes. New coaches can be nominated until 20 December 2026. Candidates nominated later will have less time to collect votes, but they will still have a chance to win.
When and where will the candidate list be available?
The candidate list will be available on this page from 26 September 2026. Candidates will be listed alphabetically, and the list will be updated as new nominations are approved.
Will the current ranking be visible?
Yes. You will be able to view the current competition ranking alongside the alphabetical candidate list.
Who can vote?
Anyone can vote – players, parents, coaches, club members and basketball fans. You do not need to live in the Netherlands. Anyone under the age of 16 should ask a parent or guardian to vote on their behalf.
How many votes can one person cast?
Each person can cast only one vote during the entire competition. An email address used to vote cannot be used again.
Can I vote for a coach from my own club or a member of my family?
Yes.
Can I vote for a coach whom I previously nominated?
Yes. Nominating and voting are two separate stages of the competition.
Can I change or withdraw my vote?
No. Once the voting form has been submitted, you cannot change your chosen candidate or withdraw your vote.
Can I cast additional votes using different email addresses?
No. Each person should cast only one vote, regardless of how many email addresses they have. MWBCA is about recognising exceptional coaches – people who dedicate their time and energy to helping others become better. A result based on multiple voting would not be fair to them or to the other candidates. Simply put: let’s play fair. If we detect multiple voting or any other form of manipulation, those votes will be removed, and the associated email addresses and IP addresses may be blocked.
What happens in the event of a tie?
The tied candidates will face each other in a free-throw contest, broadcast live. After all, this is a basketball competition. 🏀
When will the results be announced?
The results of the MWBCA – Dutch 1st Edition will be announced on 17 February 2027 – Michael Jordan’s birthday.
When and where will the 2027 EHCB Coaches Congress take place?
The exact date and location of the 2027 EHCB Coaches Congress have not yet been confirmed. For the past three years, the event has taken place in Athens in early July. Details of the 2027 edition are expected to be available no later than the announcement of the MWBCA results.