‘I wish Coast still had team’: Boomer

A PASSIONATE Chris Goulding has urged the NBL to keep Gold Coast in mind for future expansion, as the one-time Blaze star prepares for a blast from the past versus the “loaded up” Bullets.

Competitive NBL action returns tomorrow to the region for the first time since the demise of the Coast’s last top-tier incarnation, the Blaze, in July, 2012.

Two seasons into their own reinvention, neighbours Brisbane head to Carrara Stadium for a clash against a Melbourne United side boasting Boomers guard Goulding.

The 28-year-old grew up in Brisbane and was a Bullets development player before a four-year stint at the Gold Coast Convention Centre. “Good memories,” he said. “When we played well the Convention Centre was packed and rocking and was one of the best places to play.

“It was a party atmosphere – it was a real awesome time.

“Part of me wishes we were playing at the Convention Centre for old times’ sake. A lot of my family and my partner’s family will be there so it’s good to play in front of them.”

It’s misty-eyed memories which has Goulding believing the NBL could yet revisit a location which has doomed three previous entities.

“I wish Gold Coast still had a team – it’s such a massive city now,” he said.

“You have get the set up right, the ownership and corporate viability right.

“But I know how strong basketball is, and sport in general, on the Coast.

“I’d love to see a team back on the Coast, it’d be beneficial for the NBL and the region.”

The potential of a Gold Coast and Brisbane showdown, Goulding admits, would add to the theatre.

“Like all sports a good derby is a really good drawcard,” he said.

“Any time an area is big enough to sustain two teams then a derby is a great idea.”

While the Bullets are the immediate objective, April’s Commonwealth Games remain on Goulding’s radar.

“Body permitting it would be a great honour to play a Comm Games, particularly on home turf,” he said.

“There’s still a lot of basketball to play. The Bullets have loaded up ... added some great talent to their roster.”

Picture: AAP IMAGES Chris Goulding, inset during his Blaze playing days, says the NBL should keep its eye on the Gold Coast despite the death of previous franchises.