MEET THE TEAM
MARCO ALEXANDER
Born in Skopje, Macedonia, Marco started playing basketball at the age of 7. His Coach in Macedonia was strict but dedicated, running an academy called Playmaker - inspiring Marco to create his own Playmaker Basketball Academy 27 years later.
Marco and his family emigrated to New Zealand in 2004, where Marco continued to play basketball. Attending Rangitoto College, Marco graduated as the school's all-time scoring leader. While at high school, he played for North Harbour Basketball Association, winning four national age-group titles and earning three all-tournament selections. He represented New Zealand at under-18 level and was part of the New Zealand Breakers Academy.
At National Championships, he won Under-21 MVP in 2010 after leading Harbour to the title, earned all-tournament honours at Under-21 (2011) and Under-23 (2013), and won the Under-23 national title with North Harbour. He debuted in the New Zealand NBL in 2011 with the Waikato Pistons and later played for the Harbour Heat, Hawke’s Bay Hawks, and Super City Rangers, finishing his NBL career in 2016. Across 81 games, he averaged 12.0 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game.
In 2014, he trialled with the New Zealand Breakers and joined Melbourne United as a development player, making one Australian NBL appearance before season-ending hip surgery. Internationally, Marco competed for New Zealand at the 2011 Summer Universiade, averaged 15.0 points per game, was named to a Tall Blacks trial squad in 2013, and represented New Zealand at the 2017 FIBA 3x3 World Cup. He has played professionally in New Zealand, Australia and in Europe.
After retiring from professional basketball, Marco continued to play socially. He developed a career in business and recruitment, but recently pivoted back to basketball. Before starting Playmaker, he was a Lead Development Coach for a basketball facility in Auckland and accepted the role of Director of Basketball at Rangitoto College. He currently Coaches a range of ages and is based primarily on the North Shore.
HAYLEY CLIFFORD
Hayley Clifford is a Registered Medical Imaging Technologist with nine years of experience working in private and public healthcare settings. With a Bachelor in Health Science and Certified in Advanced Resuscitation, Hayley oversees all of the health and safety for Playmaker and ensures that all Coaches are well-equipped to handle any injuries or incidents. All programs, drills and exercises are vetted to ensure safety and injury prevention.
Hayley also looks after parent communications, administration and our social media for Playmaker. She loves being involved because she finds watching the improvement of each athlete so rewarding.
FLETCHER FANNIN
Joining as Playmaker's Assistant Coach, Fletch loves all things basketball and is popular with the kids we Coach. Fletch is one of the best players in the Year 13 Premier Basketball Team at Rangitoto College and enjoys sharing his knowledge with the boys and girls hoping to follow in his footsteps.
Keeping with the Community feel, Playmaker often employs talented and up-and-coming local High School athletes like Fletcher because they are passionate about the game, have applicable experience, and the kids love their energy.
PLAY THE RIGHT WAY