IN the third and final part of the series, Gold Coast basketball identities talk about the lessons from the Blaze and the city’s future in the NBL.
SCARS, TEARS AND HARD WORK
Part 2: The good, bad and ugly
What would it take to bring a team back?
Former owner Owen Tomlinson: Today the league is doing a lot better, Larry Kestleman is pushing things in the right direction. If I won 10 million dollars in the lotto, I would do it all again!
Former coach Dave Claxton: If the NBL continues its current trend it is likely. A national league needs a television product that is entertaining and successful that helps alleviate the costs. AFL, Cricket and NRL have had this model support their national league’s to great success.
I think it is great that the Gold Coast has the national teams we have in the Titans and Suns, the kids need to aspire to a higher level. Particularly here on the Gold Coast. We need to establish our tribe.
Former player Anthony Petrie: We have a special group of juniors coming through winning multiple state championships. It would be very special to see these kids get the opportunity to play for their home city. Hopefully with the success we are having it can continue going forward.
Former player James Harvey: It’s a really tough question, the Gold Coast is an amazing city. Even after I finished my career, I could have gone back to my home Perth, but I was happy to be here on the Gold Coast.
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The transient population means we don’t have as many diehard fans as other cities. I think it will take someone who can see the future and potential of a national team on the Gold Coast. It needs generational support with grandparents, parents and children all onboard with the team.
Former player Scott Macgregor: I would love to see a team back here. I call the Gold Coast my home now and am very involved with the Gold Coast Association. Basketball is booming again, and the Gold Coast could easily support a national team.
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