Aussie hoop dream grows
THE NBL and Basketball Australia are in advanced talks for our NBA stars to play an international game on home soil, most likely in the lead-up to the 2019 World Cup in China.
NBL boss Larry Kestelman has confirmed discussions to bring the likes of Ben Simmons, Patty Mills and Matthew Dellavedova Down Under to represent the Boomers are positive.
There have long been calls for Australia to host an NBA pre-season game, but Kestelman is aiming for a broader approach with every Australian NBA player to partake in a historic home international.
The game would double as the perfect preparation for the World Cup and a celebration of our local talent who have gone on to star on basketball’s biggest global stage.
Basketball Australia boss Anthony Moore first floated the idea of the Boomers playing Team USA in Australia prior to the 2019 World Cup back in 2015.
Two years on, Kestelman and Moore are determined to get an international game in Australia across the line to showcase our NBA stars and the long-running strength of the NBL as a breeding ground.
“We deserve to see our NBA guys playing in Australia and that’s what we want to see,” Kestelman said.
“We don’t just want to see Ben Simmons or the 76ers; we want to see all our Australian NBA guys play in front of our crowds. We’ve spoken to all our Australian players in the NBA and everyone is super keen to play a game.
“That’s our goal and we are working closely with Basketball Australia on how we make that happen with the NBA.
“I’m very confident that we will get the right outcome in the next few years, which is seeing some international games. Nothing is 100 per cent done, but we are having very good conversations on a few different concepts.”
The prospect of Australia’s NBA stars taking on Team USA giants like LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Steph Curry would attract a sellout crowd.
A full-strength Boomers side would also be a rare sight for the Australian public.
With young guns like Simmons joining experienced campaigners Aron Baynes, Joe Ingles and Andrew Bogut, the Boomers are on track to claim the nation’s maiden medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.