Devils return to a whole new ball game

THE last time the Devils uniform was seen at the elite level in basketball, BJ Radcliffe was a floor cleaner at the Derwent Entertainment Centre in the National Basketball League.

Now he’s about to pull the jersey on as captain to lead the state back into a national competition when the Hobart Devils enter the Champions League Basketball 3x3 sphere this weekend.

One of two foundation CLB3x3 clubs alongside Townsville, the Devils head to Melbourne to play in the inaugural tournament during the WNBL cluster round.

Hobart’s men’s side will also contain SEABL Hobart Charger Matthew Young and emerging talent Elijah Pawson, with Radcliffe declaring it an honour to pull on a guernsey which hasn’t been seen on the national stage since 1996.

“Now they are going to be doing it at the Olympics in the next few years, I think it will be a big stepping stone for Tassie to be part of it,” Radcliffe said of the three-onthree concept.

“It is another huge thing for me. I remember I used to be one of the floor cleaners back in the day with the Devils.

“I used to love going every weekend and watching it, and my mum actually got married at one of the Devils games, to chuck on the jersey and represent Tassie will be awesome.” The Hobart side, coached by state NBL great Mark Nash, will rely on speed and creativity at the tournament, especially when it clashes with fellow foundation club the Suns.

Townsville will be represented by Luke Schenscher and Peter Crawford — the former a 216cm giant who spent time with the Chicago Bulls and Portland Trailblazers in the NBA in 2006-07, with Radcliffe admitting he is a bit unsure what to expect when he steps onto the court.

“I haven’t had much experience with three-onthree but I grew up playing outside on the street with the boys,” he said.

“It will be fun to go out there and give it a crack.

Launceston Tornado Ellie Collins will captain the Devils women’s team, which also contains Chargers sharpshooter Sharna Thompson.