Aussie victory over USA opens door to international series
A new international basketball series could be coming to Melbourne in the wake of Australia’s upset win over Team USA in front of record crowds at Marvel Stadium.
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An exciting new international basketball series could be coming to Melbourne in the wake of Australia’s historic upset triumph over the USA at Marvel Stadium.
A record-breaking crowd of 52,079 — the second-biggest ever sports attendance at the venue — witnessed a great moment in sporting history when the Boomers defeated Team USA 98-94.
In another slam dunk for sports fans, the Sunday Herald Sun can reveal talks are advanced for a pre-Olympic tournament in Melbourne, likely to involve four teams, including the Boomers and possibly the US.
Aussie NBA star Patty Mills hoped the Melbourne series could build a meaningful rivalry and legacy.
“We don’t get that opportunity to play in front of a home crowd too much with the meaning that other sports have with the Bledisloe Cup, the Ashes, all that kind of stuff,” he said.
He “definitely” hoped the US would return for the pre-Olympic tournament “against powerhouses” in Melbourne.
“I think the next step is to build something that has true meaning behind the games,’’ he said.
Two days after some fans complained about views to see some of the best players on earth, a parochial home crowd was all smiles as the Aussies beat the US for the first time in 55 years of trying.
Promoter TEG refused to say how many fans asked for refunds or requested moving to a better seat after Oscar winner Russell Crowe whined about his $1500 view.
But in a game already being dubbed the “miracle at Marvel”, the Boomers ensured a historic two-match series which attracted more than 103,000 fans would be remembered for all the right reasons.
Sports Minister Martin Pakula said the Melbourne-US games bolstered the state’s major event prowess.
“At pub trivia nights for years to come the question will be: ‘Where and when did the Boomers first beat Team USA?” he said.
“And more than 52,000 people will be able to say: ‘Melbourne, Marvel, August 2019.”
When the landmark Melbourne series was announced in March last year, it was touted an economic boon set to splash more than $50 million into the state economy.
Visit Victoria believes at least a third of Saturday’s crowd was from interstate.
The crowd — bigger than any AFL crowd at the Docklands stadium, witnessed Team USA’s first loss in 78 games — and will help send more hoops action Melbourne bound.
Greece, featuring NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, Spain and the US have been targeted for the tournament which would be staged in the lead up to the Tokyo Games next year.
If the US was to return, it would likely include many of the big name stars that pulled out of Saturday’s Melbourne game, including James Harden, Anthony Davis and Paul George.
The Aussie team would be stacked with talent expected to include Victorian NBA stars Ben Simmons, Dante Exum and Ryan Broekhoff as well as the nucleus of the Boomers team that lit up Melbourne this week.
Aussie stars told the Sunday Herald Sun the huge crowds that has turned out in Melbourne this week were proof there was support for US and international touring teams.
Horsham born and bred Boomer Mitch Creek said getting the US back to Melbourne in the lead up to the Olympics would be “awesome” for fans and players.
“I would love it,’’ he said.
“I think that would be a thrill and another great thing for the relationship.’’
Aussie basketball great Luc Longley said Australian had seen “nothing like” the Melbourne series and was “supportive” of a pre-Olympic tournament.
Matthew Dellavedova said he was proud to represent his country in front of home fans in this week’s historic series.
“Number one, pulling on the green and gold – there is nothing better than doing that,’’ he said.
“That’s what we all love to do and why we play but if we can manage to inspire some kids and give them something to aim for, that’s something pretty cool to be a part of as well.’’
More than 320 workers laid 14,000sqm of flooring, set 10,000 chairs and installed more than 70 tonnes of production equipment in three days to transform the venue from a footy field to one of the world’s biggest basketball stadiums.
But many fans who paid hefty prices to sit near the court were left with obstructed views or only able to see the action on big screens.
US coach Gregg Poppovich paid Melbourne the ultimate compliment.
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“The food and wine is amazing,’’ he said.
“The city is so friendly, it’s so clean … it’s been fun to be here.’’
Powerbrokers believe the series could help lure more major events to Melbourne.
US Consul General Michael F. Kleine said it would help put Victoria on the map with overseas viewers.
“To see Team USA here in Melbourne is just another aspect of the US-Australia relationship, which I think is so strong,’’ he said
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