Coles was living in Hamilton South at the time and working with the Socceroos.

At the Celtics, which he joined in October last year, Coles is executive director of performance.

This means he's responsible for "anything that affects the physical capabilities of the players".

"This could include sports science, strength and conditioning and physiotherapy," said Coles, who has previously worked with the Newcastle Knights, Liverpool and San Antonio Spurs.

Leaving the Socceroos, he said, was "one of the hardest decisions in my life".

"There was maybe only a couple of jobs in the world that could've tempted me away," he said.

"When I came home to Australia it was because of the chance to work with Arnie [Socceroos coach Graham Arnold] again, and being able to work with such a great group of staff and players while being based out of Newcastle."

Newcastle, he said, was "where my family and I really wanted to live".

"Plus as an added bonus, I also got to have a run around with the mighty Impostors, who are the best low grade men's basketball team in the city," he said, with a chuckle.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he has been in isolation for about two months.

"We are gradually starting to come out of it now," he said.

During isolation, he and his team have been "trying to monitor our players and program for them remotely, so they would be as ready as possible if and when the season was to resume".

"I also spent lots of time with key staff reviewing our processes and protocols, so we can set ourselves up for sustained success," he said.

"I had the chance to engage a little more with the business side of the franchise, so that was interesting and enjoyable."

He's now working at the club's training centre most days.

"Our contact points are limited to working with one player at a time under strict NBA and local government guidelines," he said.

The NBA season is planned to restart on July 31 inside a so-called "bubble" site at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida.

Coles has been following the civil rights protests in Boston and elsewhere.

"I've always tried to be aware of social issues and want to contribute in whatever way I can to help. Even if I'm just supporting friends of mine, educating my own kids, or trying to amplify a positive message, then hopefully that is something worthwhile," he said.

"I think everyone has a different role to play, whether that's being on streets protesting, calling out racism when you see it, or simply saying that black lives matter and supporting the cause of equality.

"I support people doing their bit to make a positive change."

Growing up as a white Australian, he said he "can't speak for the experiences of others in the USA".

"But it seems clear to me that many historical inequalities still exist today, and to be fair that's not just here. I think it's the same in Australia with regards to our treatment of Indigenous people, and in many other parts of the world as well," he said.

"I think athletes have a platform and if they can use that to promote a positive message, then good on them. I'm proud every time I see the work someone like Patty Mills does to help improve our society."

Mills is an Australian basketballer with the San Antonio Spurs.

"If more people engaged and contributed that way, we would only be better off," Coles said.

While you're with us, did you know the Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here

IN THE NEWS: