Tasmanian NBL team names on the table as DEC sale meeting locked in

As the deal to return Tasmania to the NBL draws closer, the league is playing around with some names for the state’s team.

WILL it be a Devils dunk, a Pride dime or even a Team Tasmania three-pointer?

It is believed the NBL is currently toying with a short list of potential names for the state’s return to the competition as an announcement looms.

Hobart’s Calvin Talford hangs of the basket during a Adelaide 36ers vs Hobart Devils NBL match in 1994.

It is understood any name must contain the word Tasmania, with the “Tasmanian Devils” an obvious link to the state’s last NBL team that folded in 1996, the “Tasmanian Pride” inspired by the red lion in the state’s flag, while “Team Tasmania” and “Tasmania BC” (for Basketball Club) are aimed at linking the entire island behind the new club and could have a devil as a mascot.

The issue with the Devils is it is the name adopted by all Tasmanian representative Australian rules teams and the proposed name for a Tasmanian AFL club.

But there is no doubt the plan for NBL re-entry is starting to come together.

A key piece of the puzzle will be placed on Friday after the Glenorchy City Council gave notice of a special council meeting to “consider the sale of the Derwent Entertainment Centre and Wilkinsons Point.”

The Tasmanian Government plans to buy the DEC and give it a $40 million redevelopment to bring it up to NBL standards, while also building a $20 million new indoor multisports centre next door, while NBL owner Larry Kestelman has promised a $200 million shopping, restaurant and hotel precinct at adjacent Wilkinsons Point.

MORE: BALL IN COUNCIL’S COURT FOR DEC PLANS

On Tuesday night the council released its agenda for the meeting that recommends the sale of the DEC and Wilkinsons Point to the Tasmanian Government (which would then on sell Wilkinsons Point and lease the DEC to Mr Kestelman’s LK Group) subject to a final agreement of sale in accordance to the key terms and the transfer of DEC business to the LK Group.

The DEC. Picture: KELVIN BALL

It is recommended the sale price with the Government be kept secret until after the Government signs its deal with Mr Kestelman, then the council will release the price.

The agenda says the combined proposal would bring a net value of $145.23 million to greater Hobart and create 1198 full-time equivalent jobs.

Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein said the DEC and the new multisports facility would be staying in public hands, not owned by the NBL or Mr Kestelman.

“As we have previously advised, we have been clear in our negotiations for a Tasmanian NBL team that the DEC would need to be retained by the State Government as a community asset,” Mr Gutwein said.