NBL backs schedule to draw crowd
BASKETBALL: Andrew Bogut will make his NBL debut in the Sydney Kings’ season-opener against last year’s grand finalists Adelaide, two days after the competition tips off.
Armed with their new star recruit, the Kings will face the 36ers at Qudos Bank Arena to begin their 2018/19 campaign on October 13.
Bogut has joined the Kings after a 13-year career in the NBA that included a championship win with the Golden State Warriors in 2015.
The NBL yesterday released the draw for the new season with reigning champions Melbourne United to play twice in a blockbuster seven-game opening round, which NBL chief executive Jeremy Loeliger is confident will smash the attendance record of 48,000 set in 1995.
“The game is enjoying enormous momentum and we think the NBL is the second best league in the world after the NBA,” Loeliger said.
A first-time Melbourne Cup eve clash between the Kings and United is one of a number of highlights scheduled in the draw.
An open-air grand final rematch on Boxing Day, two New Year’s games and an eight-game Australia Day weekend will also feature.
Australian NBL teams will get a taste of regional New Zealand when they face the Breakers who, for the first time in 15 years, will play home games outside Auckland.
The new season will include an additional three Sunday family-friendly matches, increasing the number to 35.
There will be two breaks in play between November 26 and December 4 and February 18 and 26 while the Australian Boomers are involved in World Cup qualifying games.