Robertson coached the Hobart Hustlers to the WBC title in 1985 and the Tassie Islanders in their inaugural WNBL season in 1987.

He was assistant coach of the Hobart Hurricanes last season and has coached numerous state teams.

Robertson is also in charge of Basketball Tasmania's intensive training centre programme, which he will continue to operate out of Launceston.

Robertson beat last season's coach Malcolm Gardner and other applicants from Launceston and Melbourne for the job.

Tornadoes chairman Greg Lansdell said that Robertson's strength in junior development was one of the key factors in his selection.

``Next season the club is anticipating having most of our players under 21 and Peter's current role as Basketball Tasmania's development coach will assist greatly in developing their individual skills,'' Lansdell said.

Robertson said his competitive desire to coach was rekindled last season as assistant coach to Chris Atkins with the Hurricanes.

``I enjoyed my involvement in the ABA last season and when the Tornadoes opportunity was advertised I had little hesitation in applying for the position,'' he said.

``The club offers a very stable environment and it will provide me with an avenue to feed some of my increased technical knowledge back into the practical side of coaching.''

Robertson said he was confident that the club could regain its standing as an ABA championship contender.

It is anticipated that Robertson will relocate to Launceston after Christmas.

At this stage the Tornadoes expect to retain import Desiree Glaubitz and have two other tall options to consider, including former champion Kaui Wakita.