AN NBL REUNION

Former players insist time is right for strong league to expand

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THE dreams of a Gold Coast NBL revival remain alive, with some local basketball veterans adamant the city will soon be back in the national league.

The last time the Gold Coast had a team in the NBL was from 2007-2012 with Gold Coast Blaze, which folded after financial issues.

The Gold Coast Cougars were founded in 1990 before changing names to the Rollers in 1992 and dissolving in 1996.

Former Rollers NBL player Brendan Le Gassick (right) said it won’t be long until a Gold Coast team is back again.

“Being a large city, I think it’s only a matter of time until the Gold Coast gets the opportunity to have a team in the NBL again,” he said.

Le Gassick said basketball has become very popular, which works in the Gold Coast’s favour. “I think the NBL is in best position it’s been in for many years,” he said.

“I think there’s just a buzz with NBL and basketball in general – it’s really picked up in the last few years. You see the crowd numbers at NBL games are really strong.”

Former captain of the Gold Coast Rollers QBL team, Dwayne Johnson, said he understands the hurdles involved but sees a Coast team being successful.

“Gold Coast’s a tough town. You look at the Rugby League and AFL teams currently and unless they’re successful, it’s hard to draw crowds,” he said.

“It depends on who’ll invest, but I know blokes who are keen to have a squad and if they’re involved, I could see it being successful.”

Johnson agrees with Le Gassick on the NBL being in a good position for another team to slot in.

“The NBL has moved forward in leaps and bounds. The product is really good now, with Aussie guys coming back from Europe to play and we’re getting some good imports too,” he said.

Gold Coast City Regional Basketball Association general manager Joel McInnes said the success of a Coast team comes down to who will support the team but said the NBL has the talent to support another team.

“You’ve got to have talent to have interest and the NBL is getting there,” he said.

DOUBLE DRIBBLE BASKETBALL COLUMN: Friday