Two left as NBL team cuts Pride

TASMANIAN basketball fans will have plenty of “pride” when their team joins the NBL — but it won’t be the official name of the team.

Just two monikers remain in the countdown to next week’s reveal, with the side to go by either the Jack Jumpers or the Tridents after Pride was eliminated from the top five shortlist.

The other finalists, Mountaineers and Tall Timbers, were cut down in the past fort night.

Team Tasmania chief executive Simon Brookhouse (pictured), who will have completed his two-week mandatory quarantine in the state in time to launch the NBL’s 10th club’s branding next Thursday, said the anticipation was palp pable with just two options left from the search which generated more than 10,000 name nominations.

“We’ve really enjoyed the input and feedback from all Tasmanians during this process and we are now looking forward to the reveal of the name next week,” said Mr Brookhouse.

The Tasmanian team will play in the 2021-22 NBL season.

“We will also be launching our foundation memberships next week and this is a great opportunity for all Tasmanians to show their support for their team. As well as receiving the first merchandise for the new team, by signing up as a foundation member Tasmanians will be able to choose their own seat at the newly renovated DEC for the 2021-22 NBL season.”

Work on the $68.5m refurbishment of the Derwent Entertainment Centre will begin next month, with the Tasmanian Planning Commission approving the site area plan.