Nuggets’ comeback highlight for NBL head
DUNEDIN fans are excited by the return of toplevel men’s basketball to the city.
But the National Basketball League is equally excited to be returning to Dunedin.
NBL general manager Justin Nelson said the Otago Nuggets’ comeback to the Edgar Centre was going to be one of his highlights of 2021.
That longawaited game is not far away now.
The Nuggets host the Wellington Saints in the NBL season opener at 7.30 on Saturday night.
The side returned last year after five seasons in the wilderness, winning the Covidadapted Showdown title in the process.
But every game was played in Auckland.
That means its last home game was in 2014 — or 2497 days ago when Saturday rolls around.
Nelson said he had heard plenty about the days of Dunedin hosting Nuggets games — both at the Edgar Centre and
Dunedin Stadium — from franchise great Leonard King.
‘‘I have the privilege of working with Leonard King,’’ Nelson said.
‘‘I’m forever reminded about the great days of the NBL being played at the Edgar Centre.
‘‘I can’t wait to get down there and see that this Saturday night.
‘‘I’ve heard so much about the incredible passion of the fans and how Dunedin gets behind its sporting teams.
‘‘It’s one of the things I’m most looking forward to this season.’’
Nelson praised the work that had gone into getting the franchise back up and running.
He hoped the fans would take the opportunity to get behind the team.
‘‘There’s a lot of people behind the scenes that have worked incredibly hard to provide Dunedin with this opportunity.
‘‘Now it’s up to everyone throughout the city and the region to show that support and come out in big numbers for the whole year and ensure the Nuggets are here for a long time to come.’’
Nelson said on reflection he was still thrilled with the way the league adapted after the Covid19 pandemic hit last year.
However, it had missed having the opportunity to play in front of fans across the country.
Three teams — the Saints, Southland Sharks and Hawke’s Bay Hawks — were also absent from that competition.
That is a strong trio, all of whom have been among the league’s top teams throughout their history.
Getting them back and restoring the league to a 10team competition for the first time since 2014 was another highlight.