NBL boss Larry Kestelman thrilled as Tassie fans vote with their feet

Huge crowds at NBL Blitz games across the state have strengthened Tasmania’s case for an NBL team.

Premier Will Hodgman and NBL boss Larry Kestelman have hailed the NBL Blitz in Tasmania a success. Picture: PATRICK GEE

TASMANIA’S reintroduction to the NBL appears to have taken a big step forward with the two most important parties hailing the success of the biggest Blitz ever.

League owner Larry Kestelman wanted to feel the love from fans across the state and they have voted with their feet, packing out venues and proving their desire for elite-level sport.

And Premier Will Hodgman declared it would be full steam ahead with discussions for the competition’s 10th licence between the Government and Kestelman.

PREMIER WORKING WITH NBL BOSS ON DEC DEMAND

The pre-season competition wrapped up at the Derwent Entertainment Centre yesterday, with 3521 in attendance to bring the total crowd figure for the four days to 8647.

Kestelman said expectations were met with the support from the public, which was a crucial factor for him to proceed with plans to establish a team in the state.

“I couldn’t be happier, we covered a lot of ground, it’s definitely a bigger state than I imagined but we are thrilled,” he said.

“[A total of] 8500 people showed up to watch it, 2500 kids at schools visited — it is a big tick for us, our biggest Blitz ever.

“Our expectations are always high, I will say it reached our expectations. It was important for us to see the fans want the basketball, and to see everyone here and kids’ faces, people enjoying it, that’s important to us.

“I don’t want to be a doubter but until you see it, it’s not real.

“Standing here looking at a big crowd, that gives me a lot of hope.

“I just want the fans to know we will do everything possible to bring a team here, and if we do we will want them to own it and all of Tasmania to get behind it.”

NBL SLAM-DUNK BID FOR TASSIE

A huge crowd at the NBL Blitz pre-season match between Melbourne United and the Illawarra Hawks at Derwent Entertainment Centre Picture: DARRIAN TRAYNOR/GETTY IMAGES

The major point of conversations between the NBL and the Government will be the financial contribution to upgrade the DEC.

The stadium requires a multimillion-dollar injection to bring it to world-class standard.

The audio, jumbo screen, lighting and rigging used during the Blitz were provided for the event by Tasmanian-owned and operated production company Alive Technologies Group.

CROWD WOWED AS LAMELO BALL LIGHTS UP THE COURT

“It’s a really great entree to Tasmania’s involvement in the national competition,” Mr Hodgman said.

“It has been well supported, the event has been exceptionally well run, there’s been statewide high levels of engagement and a massive boost into our local economy.

“It’s not cheap bringing this show to town, I think we have satisfied what was expected of us, and we have more of an understanding now of the scale of what the NBL is and what it could offer.

“This has been good for both parties, for the NBL to get a greater sense of what we have got here and what needs to be built and also for the Government to understand what the NBL’s plans are for this precinct, our potential entry, what’s expected and how much we might need to pay.”

NBA SCOUTS IN TOWN TO CHECK OUT STARS AT NBL BLITZ

Sek Henry of the NZ Breakers looks to pass during the NBL Blitz pre-season match between SE Melbourne Phoenix and NZ Breakers at Derwent Entertainment Centre Picture: STEVE BELL/GETTY IMAGES

Mr Hodgman said the NBL’s eagerness to have Tasmania in a national competition also sens a strong message to the other codes.

“Everyone is on the same page, there is still a lot of detail to work through, we will do that and at least they are showing a high level of interest.

“It is a bit of a message to the AFL, to the A-League, to any other national competition that these guys want to be here.”