The Otago basketball stalwart had a solid career playing for the Nuggets, went on to have two stints coaching his beloved team, and helped resurrect the side when it dropped out from the national league in the late 2000s.
He has worked for Basketball Otago, served on the board, had a successful reign with the Gold Rush in the former women’s basketball championship, taking a title in 2015, and coached countless other teams.
So, it makes sense for Marshall to take over the top job with the region’s latest premier women’s basketball team.
Marshall has signed on as head coach for the Southern Hoiho as the team embarks on its second year in the Tauihi league.
"Looking forward to it, actually — can’t wait," Marshall said.
"Once you get your head around it, and you’ve decided to do it, then you’re sort of thinking ‘well, let’s hurry up’."
The Hoiho had a tough opening season, recording just one victory, a 60-54 win over Whai, and 11 losses.
Marshall knew there were challenges ahead for the Hoiho, but the team was determined to be better.
"We’d like to sort of take that next step, really.
"It was a bit of a tough year last year with results. It’ll be quite important to try and change that.
"It’s not going to be easy. There’s only five teams, so it’s a pretty ruthless competition."
"We’re gonna have to really [have] good preparation and hopefully hit the ground running."
That starts tonight, when the local crew gets together for its first "open run", then moves to multiple trainings a week, starting in May.
Player announcements would start rolling out soon and import players were further off, as it was important to find the best quality to join the squad, he said.
"Obviously we’ve got some connections in Australia where we’re just seeing if we can leverage off that a little to try and take away the unknown side of when you’re looking for an import."
Allowing three imports across all Tauihi teams helped raise the profile, and while Marshall acknowledged women’s basketball had been strong, the new league was helping elevate it further.
"It’s pretty cool. It’s more the profile they’re getting that’s the change.
"The women’s competition, back when I was coaching Gold Rush and before that, as long as I can remember, has always had really good competitive and committed players.
"It’s just now they’re getting some support from others.
"They’re actually getting some recognition to go with it — it’s really cool."
The Hoiho’s season gets under way against Tokomanawa Queens in Porirua on July 12.
