NBA superstar Josh Giddey’s father back McIvor Reserve masterplan stadium

It may have produced NBA superstar Josh Giddey but Yarraville could have more NBA stars on its hands if a new stadium is approved.

Warrick Giddey, pictured with son Josh, has backed a new indoor stadium for Yarraville.

The next NBA superstar could be made in Yarraville if a proposed controversial indoor stadium goes ahead, the father of a basketball superstar believes.

Warrick Giddey, who made his name with the Melbourne Tigers as a two-time NBL champion, has been a long-time Yarraville resident.

His four children, including NBA superstar and Oklahoma Thunder point guard Josh, grew up practising basketball at Wembley Primary School’s three-quarter size court close to McIvor Reserve.

An indoor six-court stadium, like the one proposed as part of the McIvor Reserve masterplan, would have been ideal for the Giddeys when they took Josh to Altona and surrounds to pursue his basketball dream due to the lack of courts in Yarraville.

“If we have one kid that goes on to play NBA or goes and plays for the Australian men’s or women’s team or WNBA, it’s been a success,” Mr Giddey said.

“For kids to start and get that opportunity to one day get to that high level, they need the facilities at the grassroots.

“I think this as an important facility as they’ve ever built.”

The proposed vision as part of the draft McIvor Reserve masterplan project. Picture: Supplied

The proposed plan includes six indoor courts while retaining the bowls club in its current position after a proposal to incorporate it into the stadium was rejected. There are also planned upgrades for the baseball club and improvements for cricket and hockey facilities.

It comes after the council conducted a study which found the area would need between four to 12 courts by 2036 to accommodate the growth of indoor sports.

The council is set to hold a special meeting this week to vote on the project.

Friends of McIvor Reserve recently lodged complaints with the Victorian Ombudsman over the process of the master plan while the CFMEU has announced a ‘green ban’ for the site.

The proposal has strong support on both sides with Westgate Basketball Association preparing to present a petition in favour of the stadium featuring more than 2000 signatures. It comes after Friends of McIvor Reserve presented a petition last month with more than 3000 signatures against the project.

Mr Giddey believes the project could be one of the most “important” facilities the council will vote on.

“I couldn’t be more excited (about the proposed stadium) … unfortunately my kids have missed out on it but for the next generation that comes through … it’ll be huge,” he said.

“Success isn’t just measured by the superstars but by the kids that get involved in the sport and they get off the street.

“It can be like a sliding doors moment for a lot of them to have the opportunity.”

The master plan is recommended for approval at the special council meeting on March 29.