NT’S ELITE BASKETBALL PLAYERS REMAIN POSITIVE
BASKETBALL NT pathways manager Rod Tremlett said the Territory’s stars were doing their best to stay positive through the COVID-19 pandemic, which has put an end to national 3x3 competitions.
The Boundless Possible NT senior sides, comprising of star Territory talent including Abby Cubillo, Deba George and Deola D’Brown, were among the top contenders through the NBL 3x3 competitions earlier this year.
The men’s and women’s sides made the semi-finals of the Australian Grand Prix 3x3 tournament in March, losing to the sides from Melbourne that would go on to win the competition.
However, their goal of playing in the 3x3 Big Hustle National Championships in Geelong from March 28-30 were put on hold due to the coronavirus crisis.
“It was a little disappointing, but we’re hopeful that the competitions will be relooked at when we’re able to come back,” Tremlett told the Sunday Territorian.
“Three-on-three has been a good, extra pathway for our younger players with some good performances last year, and April (Rummery Lamb) stepping up to the senior side this year.
“But this time off will give us a chance to look at our planning so our athletes can spend more time training together.
“This is a time to stay positive – we are still running sessions with our highperformance athletes online.
“They’re all itching to get back, but know it’s a small sacrifice for the health of the community.”
With school back, Tremlett is running four sessions a week online with these athletes, and is looking to integrate athletes from Alice Springs.
Also postponed were the under-16s and under-18s national championships.
While the under-16s - set to play in Perth - had not yet been officially selected, training was well underway.
The under-18s, however, were only a couple of weeks away from heading to Ballarat for the April 17 start date when the quarantine restrictions were put in place.
“The 18s were particularly disappointed as they were probably only a couple of weeks away from heading off,” Tremlett said.
“They’re a really talented group with players like Joel De Barros and Ned Stevens who have been playing in senior sides. We are hoping for postponement but there are only a couple of potential windows.”