Sudbury Five Name Joey Puddister as Head Coach and GM
The Five are excited to announce that Joey Puddister, former Five player and assistant coach for Nipissing University basketball, has been named the new Head Coach and General Manager of the Sudbury Five.
A native of North Bay, Ontario, Puddister started his collegiate career at Canadore College, before playing two seasons with Nipissing University. He would go on to turn pro in 2017, playing 25 games for Rotterdam Basketball in the BNXT League (Netherlands). Following his time with Rotterdam, he would play 22 games with the Sudbury Five from 2018 to 2020, finishing his pro basketball career in Sudbury.
After his playing days, Puddister transitioned to coaching. He had already joined Nipissing University as assistant coach in 2019, where he’s continued for six years. In 2023, he became the Director of the Athlete Mentorship Program (AMP), where he helps current and former athletes transition confidently into new phases of their careers, equipping athletes with the tools they need to thrive beyond sports.
“Thank you to Dario and Andrea Zulich for the opportunity to do what I love back with a team that I have so much history and love for,” expressed Puddister. “Thank you Coach Logan Stutz for building the foundation of this great organization and mentoring me through the transition of becoming the next Head Coach. I can’t wait to get to work and Defend The Throne! Go Five Go!”.
