‘Conveyor belt’ of talent helped tick the right boxes
The Manawatu Jets ticked all the boxes when it came to returning to the National Basketball League.
The Jets officially applied to return to the league in May following a two-year absence and were given the go ahead on Monday by NBL chairman and Basketball New Zealand boss Iain Potter.
‘‘We went back to them several times for additional information and clarity,’’ Potter said. ‘‘The key concern of the board, of the NBL, was ensuring they had enough financial support behind them to give us confidence they are a sustainable outfit.
‘‘We went back for clarification on a number of things and they were able to produce evidence of solid commercial, council and community backing. ‘‘
Potter said the two most important things were being financially sustainable and having the community backing.
‘‘Those are the things the NBL board pushed back at because they wanted some further evidence. To [the Jets’] credit they have been quite determined to show they are a viable option.
‘‘And so in the end we gave them the nod.’’
The recent success of Manawatu schools on the national scene, as well as agegroup teams, shows the region is producing players, which helped convince Potter of the Jets’ idea of a community team.
‘‘I think it’s not just a bubble but it’s a conveyer belt.’’
Potter said they have gone away from giving out carte blanche five-year licences, but now teams have to demonstrate their viability each year.
‘‘We don’t want teams to crash and burn. 2018 will be for them to solidify their position and then look forward with confidence.’’
The Jets will have to meet caveats to show the team is viable, but it sounds like both parties are confident of the Jets meeting those. The NBL will keep an eye on all teams’ finances to ensure they don’t get in financial strife.
‘‘Hopefully having the Jets back again will be good for the community up there and good for the league. We feel the league is on an upwards trajectory again.’’
Tauranga have suspended their bid because they need more time, Potter said. Potter said they will have to update the Jets with information that has changed since they were last in the league.
Palmerston North mayor Grant Smith likened it to the Manawatu Turbos rugby team, who went through financial strife and were on the brink of being chopping from the NPC, but the community rallied and supported them.
Smith was part of the group that worked with the Jets to make the decision about pulling out of the league and he has supported their bid to return.
‘‘To me this has been a basketball town, we go back 30 plus years and we were one of the original players in the National Basketball League. Up until two years ago, the Saints and ourselves were the only ones that had stayed in the league continuously.’’
Smith said the team can’t afford to get donkey-licked every week, and they need to be competitive.
There are good basketball schools in Manawatu and players in the region, Smith said.
Basketball Manawatu chairwoman Tess Petley said it was exciting for them and exciting for the community.
She said there was interest amongst children and the ability to watch games again will be huge.
‘‘I definitely think it creates opportunities for us to partner with the community stuff, absolutely. What that looks like at the moment, I’m not sure.
‘‘We have been meeting with them around how we can work with them.’’