The 35-year-old helped the Waikato Pistons clinch the National Basketball League title last season with a 2-0 sweep of the Nelson Giants in the finals. But he transferred south this year to take up the coaching role with the Wellington Saints.
The pressure of directing the troops compared with putting the ball in the hole took some getting used to, he said. But he was embracing the change despite himself.
"I'm enjoying the challenge but I still wish I was playing," Cameron said.
"As the coach there is a lot pressure. You're very responsible. As a player I was more prepared. As a coach I've led a couple of age-group teams," he said.
Getting the best out of his players each week was a task to which he was warming, but he was not ready to hang up the singlet yet.
"I haven't retired, mate. It is something I don't like to talk about too much with the things I'm battling in terms of injury. But I want to get on top of them."
As to when that return to court might come, Cameron was uncertain.
"I have not set a time or a date. I've got nothing in front of me."
Midway through the season, the Saints are 6-3 and well placed to make the play-offs. And they are fresh from one of their best performances, a 126-90 shellacking of the Harbour Heat.
But was Cameron happy with the performance?
"I suppose. But it is about replicating that every week and getting better each time.
"We're still not where we want to be. We're not in a bad position but these next four games will be tough, really tough."
The Saints play the Otago Nuggets at the Edgar Centre tonight and move on to Invercargill for a clash with the Southland Sharks at Stadium Southland tomorrow. They return home for a game against the Hawkes Bay Hawks on Thursday and the following week will play the Nelson Giants.
The under-strength Nuggets will be without Riki Buckrell, Tom Rowe, Luke Aston and Hayden Miller. The four have been released to play in the national under-21 championships in Nelson.
Nuggets coach Alf Arlidge was unapologetic.
"To be honest, this was my decision," he said. "This is the last chance they will get to play together in age group. You can't deny these kids. They've got a good crack at winning it.
"The thing I'm mad about is they [Basketball New Zealand] could have played this tournament on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and it would not have affected [NBL] teams."
To make matters worse, former Tall Black Andrew Parke's return to top-level basketball has been short-lived. A foot injury has ensured he will not suit up again this season.
Former Nugget Chris Hepburn returns and Mitch McRae and Tom Allan come on to the bench.
The Nuggets will need big games from imports Tyler Amaya and John Barber jun if they are to remain competitive.
But, realistically, the home side had a mammoth task on its hands, Arlidge said.
"I'm hoping we can be competitive. Obviously, it gives other guys opportunities to stand up. But let's face it - these guys are the best team in New Zealand."
The Saints are bursting with talent, including Tall Blacks Lindsay Tait and Casey Frank, and United States guard Eric Devendorf is, arguably, the best import in the league.
Devendorf, who was released from the Pistons last month, had an incredible match against the Heat, scoring 38 points and adding two rebounds, five assists, two block shots and a steal.
Impressively, he landed seven of his eight attempts from the three-point line.
If he finds his range and other scorers such as Tait, Frank and Erron Maxey chip in, the Nuggets' biggest losing margin of 42 points might be under threat.
NUGGETS v SAINTS
- Edgar Centre, tonight, 7pm
> Otago Nuggets: John Barber jun, Tyler Amaya, Matt Gillan, Steve Robinson, Sam To'omata, James Ross, Matt Trueman, Tim Coudret, Chris Hepburn, Mitch McRae, Tom Allan.
> Wellington Saints: Lindsay Tait, Erron Maxey, Damien Ekenasio, George Le'afa, Leon Henry, Ross Taurima, Eric Devendorf, Randall Bishop, Casey Frank, Nick Horvath, Troy McLean.
