‘Speaks volumes’: Why 400+ game NBL veteran backs regional city as next big thing

A veteran NBL star in his 16th season has come out in support of Gold Coast as a leading contender for the league’s next franchise, days after fans were told they could be left waiting yet another year. Full story:

A veteran NBL star in his 16th season has come out in support of Gold Coast as a leading contender for the league’s next franchise, days after fans were told they could be left waiting yet another year.

Illawarra Hawks’ Todd Blanchfield was candid saying he believes Gold Coast is ready for an NBL return sooner rather than later, citing the region’s rapidly growing junior base and support.

Todd Blanchfield of the Hawks shoots under pressure from Chris Goulding of Melbourne United (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)

“If you have a professional NBL club at the top and something to aspire to ... come out to games and that’s their goal ... it just adds a whole different perspective for the young kids in junior programs coming through,” Blanchfield said.

“(Gold Coast has) the facility, they’ve got the following, the junior basketball and everything they need.

“I know there were talks of Darwin, I don’t know if they have the facility, that’s why I feel like Gold Coast is ready to go.”

The 32-year-old small forward is in his second year of a two-year deal with the Illawarra Hawks and in March played his 400th NBL game - which has included stints in Townsville, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Illawarra.

Todd Blanchfield (left) of Gold Coast Rollers tries to dribble past Michael Fleming of Ipswich Force during Game 3 decider of the NBL1 North Grand Final Series played at the Carrara Indoor stadium, Gold Coast, Sunday, August 6, 2023. Photo: Regi Varghese

In 2023, on the back of a three-year term with Perth Wildcats, Blanchfield joined Adelaide 36ers guard Jason Cadee for a season with the Gold Coast Rollers in NBL1 North where they finished second to Ipswich Force.

“I was fortunate enough to have my off season here last year, and when you’re out in the community doing promo with juniors, I think it’s the biggest association in Queensland for junior basketball,” he said.

“That there just speaks volumes.

“Last year the Blitz was a real success, crowd numbers were great and it’s the same thing this year.

“I’m from Queensland so any chance to get back here is awesome, I love it.

“I know everyone around the league loves coming to the Gold Coast as well.”

Todd Blanchfield of the Hawks handles the ball during the 2024 NBL Blitz match between Illawarra Hawks and Perth Wildcats (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

Blanchfield said the rivalry of another southeast Queensland team would be parallel to that already seen in the likes of Victoria and New South Wales.

“It’s great for another rivalry with Brisbane ... we talk about the freeway rivalry between (Illawarra) and the Kings, it’s the same thing between Bullets and Gold Coast.”

Right as the Blitz got underway, word spread that Gold Coast’s seemingly fast tracked road to new franchise favourites took a blow, News Corp’s Michael Randall reporting there could be more of a wait.

“It’s no secret the NBL would have loved to have announced the new Gold Coast franchise as the league’s 11th club at this week’s pre-season Blitz tournament, hosted by the city,” Randall wrote, Sunday September 8.

“But behind the scenes politicking continues to hold things up as the NBL, Gold Coast City Council and State Government jostle over the plan.

“There is still hope, but the league needs swift co-operation from both levels of government, otherwise the more likely scenario is the new Gold Coast team won’t take the court until NBL27.”

Blanchfield meanwhile remained unphased by the timeline of things.

“Gold Coast is a great spot for (a team),” he said.

“It’s got the facilities, they’ve had an NBL team before and proven they are sustainable to have one here.

“I guess we’ll just wait and see what happens in that space.”