SIGN ME UP
NBL hopefuls join the queue for Chargers in 2019
THE groundswell of support behind Tasmania’s NBL push will make the Hobart Chargers the hottest destination in the SEABL in 2019.
That’s the firm view of coach Anthony Stewart, who is preparing his troops for Saturday’s qualifying final against Kilsyth in Melbourne.
Since the branding for the state’s proposed NBL team — the Southern Huskies — was released last week, Stewart’s phone has not stopped ringing with interest from both current and former players wanting to get involved.
Early planning for next year’s Chargers squad has already begun, with Stewart using the Huskies as a major selling point, despite the consortium behind the bid yet to meet the NBL to officially pitch its case for the 10th licence.
“It is a great selling point, I have never had so many explayers that I have played with or players who are currently in the system that want to come and play with the Chargers or be part of the Huskies,” Stewart said.
“My phone has not stopped, it’s been incredible.
“It is a big part of our selling point. People are talking about it around the country and around the world.
“If you are not in the NBL right now, if you want to be part of the NBL, the Hobart Chargers is where you want to be playing.”
The Huskies have garnered a big following less than a week since the launch of the club’s social media sites, with financial backer Justin Hickey and his business partners set to meet NBL powerbrokers next month to present a plan which covers every requirement.
Tasmanian basketball fans also sent a loud message to the league last Friday.
The Derwent Entertainment Centre hit capacity and fans were turned away from Hobart’s matches against the North West Thunder and Launceston.
“To walk out into that stadium Friday night and see 2500 people there and people being pushed away from the door, it certainly gave me some gratifi- cation that we have done all we can,” Stewart said.
“The exciting thing is the [Huskies] brand is probably the best in the league and the vision, if you want a regional basketball team … the concept and the business plan they are putting forward, it should be a priority for teams in regional areas to have that ownership of your stadium.”