Berre's worldwide journey to the Kings
There are plenty of new faces around the Sydney Kings in NBL25, including recruits Bul Kuol, Cam Oliver and Keli Leaupepe.
Another new face, that hasn't been in Sydney before, is Francesco Berre - who is the team's new lead strength and conditioning coach.
Berre is excited to add to the Hoops Captail club's winning culture and team up with Brian Goorjian and Billy Tomlinson again, after working with them at Bay Area Dragons.
"I love to win - being in an environment that wants to succeed helps you grow," Berre said.
"It's about constantly reaching for new heights and embracing the discomfort that comes with pushing beyond our limits to achieve greatness.
"I love the challenge of stepping out of my comfort zone, and being part of a powerhouse like the Kings is the perfect platform for that.
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"The chance to work with a club with championship aspirations and the influence of legends like Luc Longley and Andrew Bogut in the club's ownership made the decision even more appealing.
"Their presence signifies a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of what it takes to win.
"Lastly, the opportunity to work again with Brian [Goorjian] and Billy [Tomlinson] was a big draw for me.
"Being around legendary figures who bring high energy and immense knowledge of the game is incredibly inspiring.
"It’s an environment where I can grow, learn, and contribute to a team driven by a collective goal: winning another championship."
Born in Italy, Berre's journey in professional sport started in 2010 after graduating from sports science in his homeland and joined the performance staff of the most successful club in Italy, the Montepaschi Siena.
During that two-year stint, Berre's side won two Italian championships and reached one Euroleague Final Four but it also acted as the catalyst for the next stop on his hoops journey.
"David Andersen was playing there in my second year, and I became a good friend of his personal strength and conditioning coach, Bohdan Babijczuk," said Berre, who can speak fluent Mandarin.
"Next year, Bohdan recommended me to Nik Popovic for a job in China with the youth section of the Dongguan Leopards.
"I had always wanted to coach abroad, so I took a leap of faith and went to China without any idea what It would be like.
"I spent eight years in China, six in Dongguan and two in Urumqi, with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers in the Chinese Basketball Association.
"After China, I went to the Philippines (where he currently has residency) and got a job opportunity with the Bay Area Dragons in the EASL (East Asia Super League) and PBA (Philipines Basketball Association).
"[Most recently] last season, I was in South Korea as [former NBA player] Andrew Nicholson's personal strength and conditions coach."
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With all that experience on his resume, Berre knows he can be a strong asset to the harbour city-based club.
"I bring a combination of expertise in strength and conditioning to the Kings, backed by extensive multicultural and international experience," said Berre, who is excited to work in a well-organised system like the Kings, who are all pushing together towards the same goal.
"I've had the privilege of working with athletes from diverse backgrounds, which has taught me how to adapt my approach to meet each player's unique needs.
"My positive energy and genuine passion for helping athletes achieve their personal best are critical assets I offer to the team.
"While my role as a strength and conditioning coach contributes to the team's overall success in a small way, my real impact comes from helping individual players reach their athletic potential.
"I believe we can collectively elevate the team's performance by focusing on their personal growth and development.
"Additionally, my experience in endurance sports, including participating in triathlons and half Ironman competitions during COVID-19, has instilled a mindset of resilience and perseverance.
"I've learned to push past the moments when my mind tells me to stop or make excuses.
"This 'never-give-up, push-beyond-your-limits' mentality is something I strive to embody and hope to instil in the players as well.
"We can achieve great things together by fostering a relentless pursuit of excellence."
After arriving in June during the team's off-season, Berre admits the first few months in the purple and gold have been challenging and rewarding.
"We started with a small group of players and gradually integrated more, each coming from different backgrounds, off-season routines, and varying levels of conditioning," he said.
"The basketball staff has organized the training program progressively, allowing everyone to transition seamlessly into a complete regimen.
"This thoughtful approach has helped us create a solid foundation for the season.
"I’ve also developed a strong synergy with David Hillard (Hoops Capital's head of sports science and sports medicine) and the medical team, who have been instrumental in integrating new players based on their health screenings and individual needs.
"The level of collaboration and communication has been outstanding, which is crucial for maintaining player health and optimising performance.
"Coming to a high-profile NBL team like the Kings, I expected a strong focus on utilising advanced technology for high performance, and I’ve not been disappointed.
"The commitment to excellence here is evident in every aspect of our work.
"So far, I feel very optimistic about the group - there's a great sense of chemistry, energy, and enthusiasm among the players and staff.
"Everyone is passionate about our actions and committed to achieving our goals.
"I’m proud to be a part of this team and excited about what we can accomplish together."
Looking ahead, the 41-year-old has earmarked his goals for his debut season in the NBL.
"My main goal this season with the Kings is to help each player reach their peak performance individually and as a team," he said.
"This involves enhancing physical capabilities, fostering mental resilience, and ensuring optimal recovery to keep everyone at their best.
"I aim to create a high-performance environment through collaboration with the coaching staff and medical team, utilizing innovative training methods and data-driven insights to gain a competitive edge.
"I want to build a sustainable culture of excellence and continuous improvement within the Kings organization.
"This includes long-term player development, injury prevention, and a holistic approach to athlete wellness, ultimately helping the team succeed this season and in the future."
The Hoops Capital side will hit the hardwood this Friday night at 7.30pm, hosting the New Zealand Breakers in a pre-season fixture at Quaycentre - with tickets still available here.
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