Final shortlist for Tasmania’s NBL moniker to be revealed next week

The process of narrowing down the shortlist for Tasmania’s NBL team name is underway, as chief executive Simon Brookhouse reveals the factors that will be determine the final choice

Simon Brookhouse, Tasmanian NBL CEO

• Most popular Tasmania NBL team names revealed
• Opportunity too good to pass up for Tasmania’s new CEO

BRAND activation and bringing a moniker to life will be a crucial factors in deciding Tasmania’s NBL team name, chief executive Simon Brookhouse says.

Brookhouse, who last week was the first front house appointment announced for the new franchise, has been thrilled with the engagement of the Tasmanian public to their new team.

Name suggestions closed last Friday, with more than 9000 options, inclusive of multiple entries, being submitted.

The league has trademarked five names — the Tasmania Tridents, Pride, Jack Jumpers, Mountaineers and Timbers — and the final shortlist will be revealed early next week.

Brookhouse was impressed with all five leading options, and said when it came down to settling on one there would be several considerations.

Mock ups of proposed Tasmanian NBL Basketball team names.

“I like them all, they all have their positives. What is great is the community is choosing them through this process,” he said.

“It is important when you are thinking about the name as to how do you bring it life in terms of brand activation and what it is going to look like when you start playing games.

“How you design your uniforms and all those things. That will come into the decision making.

“The Tridents I don’t mind, the three pronged attack, the three major parts of Tasmania is pretty symbolic. But I haven’t got my mind set on anything at the moment.”

Throughout the four week process the league has stressed two popular names, Devils and Tigers, would almost certainly not be chosen due to AFL Tasmania and Cricket Tasmania already having the branding.

It was a sentiment shared by Brookhouse.

“What I do know your previously used names, Devils, Islanders, Mariners, Hurricanes and Tigers, they have either been used or are being used.

“I suspect that we will definitely go for something new and bold that we can look to the future rather than the past.”

Brookhouse, who is hoping to return to Tasmania by the end of next month after completing his duties with Golf Australia, said revealing the identity of the club and starting a membership drive for the 2021-22 are two high priorities, as well as finding a “home” office base.

Follow @ajsmiddy