Tyrone Thwaites was given the nod as head coach in December.
Thwaites, a veteran of 71 State Basketball League games for the Rockingham Flames, is considered a promising coaching talent.
He helped guide Cockburn to a WABL title in 2015 and has coached the U15 Metro Men’s team at the Southern Cross Challenge.
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READ NOW“I’m super excited. It’s the next level of coaching for me,” the 24-year-old said.
“Going to a national junior championship was not something I got to experience as a player and now I am heading there as head coach.”
Cockburn will be well represented, with fellow Cougar coach Fleur McIntyre taking on an assistant role alongside Thwaites.
Despite the tournament being six months away, preparation has already started.
“I know the age group really well. It says ‘U16s’, but it actually incorporates kids born in 2000 and 2001, so I have a lot to select from. Both age groups I’ve coached at the Southern Cross Challenge, so I already have a good indication,” Thwaites said.
Thwaites, whom many will know as a morning announcer for Perth’s hit92.9, said his target was to prepare his side as best he could.