Basketball NT development manager Rod Tremlett pushes for Darwin NBL1 side to inspire the Top End’s rising star

BASKETBALL NT high performance manager Rod Tremlett has reignited the conversation surrounding a Darwin-based NBL1 side, feeling it would greatly benefit the Territory’s rising stars

Basketball NT high performance manager Rod Tremlett after coaching Australia to a bronze medal at the FIBA 3x3 Under-18 Asia Cup in Malaysia. He believes the Territory is ready for Darwin-based men’s and women’s senior teams at NBL1 level.

BASKETBALL NT high performance manager Rod Tremlett has reignited the conversation surrounding a Darwin-based NBL1 side, feeling it would greatly benefit the Territory’s rising stars.

Tremlett, who runs the NT high performance program identifying the best young Territory talent, feels an NBL1 side would provide a clear pathway for those emerging in the sport.

NT talent consistently performs at national level, but a lack of direct pathways often force young talent to move away to take their game to the next level.

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Tremlett believes an NBL1 side will act similar to Territory Thunder in providing an option for rising stars to compete nationally, while boosting the profile of the sport in the Top End.

“Having an NBL1 team here will open so many opportunities for young people allowing them to take that next step at home rather than having to move away to pursue the sport,” Tremlett said.’’

“The talent to perform at that level is here. We show that when we go away and compete but that next level is down south rather than here.

“We have plenty of ex-Territory kids playing elsewhere, and dual WNBL winner Abby Cubillo really helped put NT on the map. But it would be really cool for younger players to have that here.

“It comes down to money. Ultimately it’s the operational funding that we need as there would likely be eight home games and nine away games which is no small margin. But based on the number of people who came to watch during the Arafura Games it would be a worthwhile investment and would help boost the sport here.”

Tremlett isn’t alone in the push for a Darwin-based NBL1 side with Basketball NT CEO John Mitchell telling the NT News in February that an NBL1 side for both men and women was a major goal.

“I reckon by 2022 we should have an established Northern Territory NBL1 team, which will be fantastic,” Mitchell said.

“I’ve briefly spoken to the NBL and said ‘don’t discount the Northern Territory with your planning and thinking going ahead.”

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Tracy Village star import Jerron Jamerson also added his voice stating the introduction of a national team would be huge for the up and coming Territory based talents.

“It would provide our young players with the motivation to play at a higher level. It would be huge for the NT,” Jamerson said.