Announcing the release of our new Legendary Teams tees!
We've been paying tribute to some of the greatest NBL players to grace
the league, now its time to honour some of the greatest ever teams.
We're starting with the 1985 Brisbane Bullets.
http://classicbasketballtees.spreadshirt.com/brisbane-1985-A14751197/customize/color/17
Having lost the Grand Final in the previous season, the Brisbane
Bullets emerged in 1985 as the league's most powerful team under Brian
Kerle and again won the minor premiership with a 20-6 record. With the
grand final game being held at their home venue (Chandler Arena), the
Bullets were hot favourites to defeat the Adelaide 36ers in what was to
be the last single game grand final in NBL history. Leading 78-74 going
into the last period of play the Bullets then outscored Adelaide 42-21,
setting an NBL grand final record for points scored in the final period
and easily accounting for the 36ers 120-95 to record their first ever
championship win.
For your viewing pleasure:
Showing posts with label Larry Sengstock. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Larry Sengstock. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Monday, September 13, 2010
NBL Launch
Plenty of big news coming out of the NBL launch today in Sydney. Great to see the league securing some sponsors and hopefully its another step back in the right direction.
NBL rebounds with iiNet
The resurgence of the National Basketball League has continued to gather pace with Basketball Australia announcing today that iiNet, Australia’s fastest growing Internet Service Provider, has signed a three-year deal as the Naming Rights Partner for the NBL.
The agreement will run through the end of the 2012/13 season and will see the competition officially known as the iiNet NBL Championship.
BA’s Chief Executive Officer, Larry Sengstock, unveiled the partnership at today’s official launch of the 2010/11 NBL Season, which was held at the prestigious Quay Restaurant on Sydney’s harbour.
Sengstock said the new partnership with iiNet gives the NBL competition an incredibly strong platform for growth.
“We’ve made some major strides in moving the NBL forward in the past 12 months, and it’s vital as that process continues that we work with strong and supportive partners who share our vision,” said Sengstock.
“In iiNet we now have a naming rights partner who is clearly established as a forward-thinking and innovative leader in the business world. We believe we share a lot of brand synergies and they will complement us perfectly as we continue to reinvigorate the NBL brand.
“They are committed to assisting us leverage the partnership and provide us tangible momentum and real confidence to further invest in the NBL brand.”
Speaking at the launch, iiNet Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Sam McDonagh, agreed that the rapidly growing telecommunications company was a perfect fit for the competition.
“iiNet is thrilled to be partnering with Basketball Australia – it’s a massive sport at a grass roots level and now it’s making a comeback at the highest level of the game,” said McDonagh.
“We know what it’s like to have big ambitions, iiNet started in a garage to become the leading challenger for internet services in Australia, so we’re keen to take basketball in Australia to the next level.
“Australians love sport and together we have an opportunity to help bring basketball to households across the country. Trust us – it’s going to be big,” adds McDonagh.
In recent months, the NBL has made some significant announcements, including the return of the league to free-to-air television via a five-year deal with Network Ten and its digital sports channel ONE, as well as the resurrection of the Sydney Kings as the NBL’s ninth team.
The NBL has also recently signed AND1 as the league’s Official Apparel Supply Partner of the NBL and its teams; together with Spalding as the Official Ball of the NBL.
The iiNet NBL Championship Season tips-off on 15 October, and all nine teams will gather in the Northern Territory from 28 September to 2 October to participate in the official ‘Top End Challenge’ pre-season tournament.
NBL SPONSORSHIP SURGE CONTINUES WITH CENTREBET AGREEMENT
On the same day that Basketball Australia announced that it had secured iiNet as Naming Rights Partner for the National Basketball League for the next three years, BA also revealed that it had signed a major partnership for the NBL with Centrebet.
Under the terms of the deal, Centrebet will be the Official Sports Betting Partner of the NBL for the next two years.
Centrebet, who were first licensed as a sports bookmaker in 1992, already have in place partnerships with several major sporting codes including the AFL and NRL.
BA Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock said the new partnership was further evidence that the NBL was continuing to enjoy a massive upswing in its commercial attractiveness.
“Centrebet are one of Australia’s leading sports betting providers and they have recognised that the NBL is making major strides commercially,” said Sengstock. “They have a history of being ahead of the curve and in 1996 were the first licensed bookmaker in the Southern Hemisphere to offer online sports betting. Clearly they see that the NBL is poised to move its business to a whole new level.”
“As a sport we’ve undergone a massive structural transformation in the past two years in order to put ourselves in a position to reap commercial rewards, and we are now starting to see the tangible benefits of that hard work,” added Sengstock.
“Sports betting in Australia is hugely popular and wagering on basketball is a large part of that industry that generates millions of dollars. Basketball has lagged behind other codes until now in terms of reaping the rewards of that public expenditure but this new partnership will see some of that money flow back into basketball and be reinvested in the sport.”
In the past few months the NBL has signed new long-term commercial partnerships with Network Ten and its digital sports channel One as broadcast partner, iiNet as Naming Rights Partner, AND1 as official Apparel Supply Partner and Spalding as Official Ball partner. The NBL has also signed an agreement with Sky Television as its broadcast partner in New Zealand.
Luke Brill, Head of Marketing and Gaming at centrebet.com, said Centrebet was excited about the new partnership.
“Centrebet are delighted to be the Official Sports Betting Partner of the NBL,” Brill said. “This partnership includes full integration with all the broadcast media and branding throughout the competition.The opportunity to be part of the future of the NBL is very exciting for us at Centrebet and we truly buy into the vision for the sport.”
NEW NATIONAL BRAND CAMPAIGN FOR NBL
The National Basketball League has unveiled a new national marketing campaign that brings to life the unique elements of the sport of basketball at its launch of the 2010/11 NBL season in Sydney today.
The campaign centres on a television commercial which will launch in October before the season commences on October 15, and will be supported by an underpinning targeted national advertising campaign.
Basketball Australia Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock said the campaign focused on the unique advantages basketball has over other sports.
“Unlike competing codes, the National Basketball League’s appeal is that from the moment the game starts until the final siren – anything can happen anytime,” said Sengstock. “There are no nil-all draws, no drawn-out penalty kicks, no waiting for a result – it is non-stop action for the whole family.
“The point of difference for the NBL is linked to a key part of the game structure – the 24-second shot clock. The constant action and urgency created by the ever reducing shot clock means that players are always on the edge – looking for the next quick pass, the next screen and the unexpected shot.
“The feeling of needing to beat the shot clock leads to the insight that for the players, that shot clock drives the demand that a great shot is put up before the clock ticks down. Every play has to have urgency. Every play has to count. Every play could change the game. Every play has explosive potential.
“The campaign will underline the NBL’s promise of being one of the most exciting spectator sports for fans at the game or watching on TV,” Sengstock concluded.
The key brand device that brings this to life is an explosive basketball. Using the image best remembered from cartoons and old Hollywood movies, the exploding ball device captures the feeling of impending action and extraordinary explosive action on court and off.
The campaign, which has been produced by strategic agency shift.101 and award-winning creative agency 12:20, has the full support of all nine NBL clubs, who have welcomed the idea as a fresh and exciting approach to the marketing of the NBL.
VIDEO: Click here to see a teaser for the new NBL campaign.
NBL rebounds with iiNet
The resurgence of the National Basketball League has continued to gather pace with Basketball Australia announcing today that iiNet, Australia’s fastest growing Internet Service Provider, has signed a three-year deal as the Naming Rights Partner for the NBL.
The agreement will run through the end of the 2012/13 season and will see the competition officially known as the iiNet NBL Championship.
BA’s Chief Executive Officer, Larry Sengstock, unveiled the partnership at today’s official launch of the 2010/11 NBL Season, which was held at the prestigious Quay Restaurant on Sydney’s harbour.
Sengstock said the new partnership with iiNet gives the NBL competition an incredibly strong platform for growth.
“We’ve made some major strides in moving the NBL forward in the past 12 months, and it’s vital as that process continues that we work with strong and supportive partners who share our vision,” said Sengstock.
“In iiNet we now have a naming rights partner who is clearly established as a forward-thinking and innovative leader in the business world. We believe we share a lot of brand synergies and they will complement us perfectly as we continue to reinvigorate the NBL brand.
“They are committed to assisting us leverage the partnership and provide us tangible momentum and real confidence to further invest in the NBL brand.”
Speaking at the launch, iiNet Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Sam McDonagh, agreed that the rapidly growing telecommunications company was a perfect fit for the competition.
“iiNet is thrilled to be partnering with Basketball Australia – it’s a massive sport at a grass roots level and now it’s making a comeback at the highest level of the game,” said McDonagh.
“We know what it’s like to have big ambitions, iiNet started in a garage to become the leading challenger for internet services in Australia, so we’re keen to take basketball in Australia to the next level.
“Australians love sport and together we have an opportunity to help bring basketball to households across the country. Trust us – it’s going to be big,” adds McDonagh.
In recent months, the NBL has made some significant announcements, including the return of the league to free-to-air television via a five-year deal with Network Ten and its digital sports channel ONE, as well as the resurrection of the Sydney Kings as the NBL’s ninth team.
The NBL has also recently signed AND1 as the league’s Official Apparel Supply Partner of the NBL and its teams; together with Spalding as the Official Ball of the NBL.
The iiNet NBL Championship Season tips-off on 15 October, and all nine teams will gather in the Northern Territory from 28 September to 2 October to participate in the official ‘Top End Challenge’ pre-season tournament.
NBL SPONSORSHIP SURGE CONTINUES WITH CENTREBET AGREEMENT
On the same day that Basketball Australia announced that it had secured iiNet as Naming Rights Partner for the National Basketball League for the next three years, BA also revealed that it had signed a major partnership for the NBL with Centrebet.
Under the terms of the deal, Centrebet will be the Official Sports Betting Partner of the NBL for the next two years.
Centrebet, who were first licensed as a sports bookmaker in 1992, already have in place partnerships with several major sporting codes including the AFL and NRL.
BA Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock said the new partnership was further evidence that the NBL was continuing to enjoy a massive upswing in its commercial attractiveness.
“Centrebet are one of Australia’s leading sports betting providers and they have recognised that the NBL is making major strides commercially,” said Sengstock. “They have a history of being ahead of the curve and in 1996 were the first licensed bookmaker in the Southern Hemisphere to offer online sports betting. Clearly they see that the NBL is poised to move its business to a whole new level.”
“As a sport we’ve undergone a massive structural transformation in the past two years in order to put ourselves in a position to reap commercial rewards, and we are now starting to see the tangible benefits of that hard work,” added Sengstock.
“Sports betting in Australia is hugely popular and wagering on basketball is a large part of that industry that generates millions of dollars. Basketball has lagged behind other codes until now in terms of reaping the rewards of that public expenditure but this new partnership will see some of that money flow back into basketball and be reinvested in the sport.”
In the past few months the NBL has signed new long-term commercial partnerships with Network Ten and its digital sports channel One as broadcast partner, iiNet as Naming Rights Partner, AND1 as official Apparel Supply Partner and Spalding as Official Ball partner. The NBL has also signed an agreement with Sky Television as its broadcast partner in New Zealand.
Luke Brill, Head of Marketing and Gaming at centrebet.com, said Centrebet was excited about the new partnership.
“Centrebet are delighted to be the Official Sports Betting Partner of the NBL,” Brill said. “This partnership includes full integration with all the broadcast media and branding throughout the competition.The opportunity to be part of the future of the NBL is very exciting for us at Centrebet and we truly buy into the vision for the sport.”
NEW NATIONAL BRAND CAMPAIGN FOR NBL
The National Basketball League has unveiled a new national marketing campaign that brings to life the unique elements of the sport of basketball at its launch of the 2010/11 NBL season in Sydney today.
The campaign centres on a television commercial which will launch in October before the season commences on October 15, and will be supported by an underpinning targeted national advertising campaign.
Basketball Australia Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock said the campaign focused on the unique advantages basketball has over other sports.
“Unlike competing codes, the National Basketball League’s appeal is that from the moment the game starts until the final siren – anything can happen anytime,” said Sengstock. “There are no nil-all draws, no drawn-out penalty kicks, no waiting for a result – it is non-stop action for the whole family.
“The point of difference for the NBL is linked to a key part of the game structure – the 24-second shot clock. The constant action and urgency created by the ever reducing shot clock means that players are always on the edge – looking for the next quick pass, the next screen and the unexpected shot.
“The feeling of needing to beat the shot clock leads to the insight that for the players, that shot clock drives the demand that a great shot is put up before the clock ticks down. Every play has to have urgency. Every play has to count. Every play could change the game. Every play has explosive potential.
“The campaign will underline the NBL’s promise of being one of the most exciting spectator sports for fans at the game or watching on TV,” Sengstock concluded.
The key brand device that brings this to life is an explosive basketball. Using the image best remembered from cartoons and old Hollywood movies, the exploding ball device captures the feeling of impending action and extraordinary explosive action on court and off.
The campaign, which has been produced by strategic agency shift.101 and award-winning creative agency 12:20, has the full support of all nine NBL clubs, who have welcomed the idea as a fresh and exciting approach to the marketing of the NBL.
VIDEO: Click here to see a teaser for the new NBL campaign.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Brisbane Bullets update
If you've been following the news about a potential resurrection of the Brisbane Bullets back in to the NBL, you would've heard there was a meeting last night to discuss the future and get people organised to assist with the task.
I messaged a few of my friends to find out if they were attending but none were and while I thought about it, I didn't make it there either. I guess I don't have the time to commit to the cause so I will follow along from the outside.
Thanks to the BrisbaneNBL twitter account, I came across a radio interview with Leroy Loggins discussing how the meeting went.
Here's the press release regarding Basketball Australia's perspective on the meeting:
MEDIA ALERT
12 August 2010
Basketball
SENGSTOCK “OPTIMISTIC” AFTER BRISBANE NBL MEETING
Basketball Australia (BA) Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock says he has renewed optimism that the National Basketball League can once again have a Brisbane-based team in the competition following a meeting in the Queensland capital last night.
More than 50 people who are committed to trying to regain an NBL license for Brisbane met at Carina Leagues Club last night at a gathering initiated by former Brisbane Bullets legend Leroy Loggins.
Sengstock and NBL General Manager of Operations Chuck Harmison attended the meeting as representatives of BA and Sengstock said he came away from the gathering heartened by the possibility of reintroducing a Brisbane team to the competition in the future.
“The meeting in Brisbane last night was well attended and out of it a ten-person working party has been formed comprising individuals with a range of key skill sets and business experience who will look to drive their bid for an NBL license,” said Sengstock. “NBL General Manager Chuck Harmison will be working very closely with the group as will representatives from Basketball Queensland and a number of the local Brisbane associations.
“This group has been formed to draft up a plan to consider how best to put together a viable business model for a Brisbane NBL team, and more specifically how to target the key decision makers and government departments to help achieve their goal. They are getting down to business immediately and will be meeting this weekend.
“After witnessing the passion, work ethic and shared vision displayed by the group at the meeting last night, I am feeling optimistic that there could indeed be a Brisbane team in the NBL for season 2011/12. Clearly there is a great deal of hard work that lays ahead for this to become a reality however and ultimately this group will need to rally appropriate financial backing as well as corporate and community support by November if they are to have a chance of obtaining a license in time for the 2011/12 season.”
“Whilst we remain supportive of any and all attempts to reintroduce a team to Brisbane, ultimately BA will only grant a license to a new team when they can demonstrate that they have in place a clear plan for ensuring their long-term financial stability,” concluded Sengstock.
I messaged a few of my friends to find out if they were attending but none were and while I thought about it, I didn't make it there either. I guess I don't have the time to commit to the cause so I will follow along from the outside.
Thanks to the BrisbaneNBL twitter account, I came across a radio interview with Leroy Loggins discussing how the meeting went.
Here's the press release regarding Basketball Australia's perspective on the meeting:
MEDIA ALERT
12 August 2010
Basketball
SENGSTOCK “OPTIMISTIC” AFTER BRISBANE NBL MEETING
Basketball Australia (BA) Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock says he has renewed optimism that the National Basketball League can once again have a Brisbane-based team in the competition following a meeting in the Queensland capital last night.
More than 50 people who are committed to trying to regain an NBL license for Brisbane met at Carina Leagues Club last night at a gathering initiated by former Brisbane Bullets legend Leroy Loggins.
Sengstock and NBL General Manager of Operations Chuck Harmison attended the meeting as representatives of BA and Sengstock said he came away from the gathering heartened by the possibility of reintroducing a Brisbane team to the competition in the future.
“The meeting in Brisbane last night was well attended and out of it a ten-person working party has been formed comprising individuals with a range of key skill sets and business experience who will look to drive their bid for an NBL license,” said Sengstock. “NBL General Manager Chuck Harmison will be working very closely with the group as will representatives from Basketball Queensland and a number of the local Brisbane associations.
“This group has been formed to draft up a plan to consider how best to put together a viable business model for a Brisbane NBL team, and more specifically how to target the key decision makers and government departments to help achieve their goal. They are getting down to business immediately and will be meeting this weekend.
“After witnessing the passion, work ethic and shared vision displayed by the group at the meeting last night, I am feeling optimistic that there could indeed be a Brisbane team in the NBL for season 2011/12. Clearly there is a great deal of hard work that lays ahead for this to become a reality however and ultimately this group will need to rally appropriate financial backing as well as corporate and community support by November if they are to have a chance of obtaining a license in time for the 2011/12 season.”
“Whilst we remain supportive of any and all attempts to reintroduce a team to Brisbane, ultimately BA will only grant a license to a new team when they can demonstrate that they have in place a clear plan for ensuring their long-term financial stability,” concluded Sengstock.
Friday, March 26, 2010
NBL signs deal with Network Ten
I've now about the possibility of this for the last week or so and heard confirmation yesterday but its finally official.
MEDIA RELEASE
26 March 2010
NBL SIGNS DEAL WITH NETWORK TEN
ONE AND TEN THE NEW HOME OF AUSTRALIAN BASKETBALL
Following a thrilling 2009/10 National Basketball League season that marked a renaissance for the NBL and just days after announcing the rebirth of the Sydney Kings, Basketball Australia have unveiled a new broadcast deal with Network Ten and its digital sports channel ONE.
In a move that is set to offer a wide array of commercial opportunities for the NBL, BA has signed a five-year deal to show games live on both ONE and TEN nationally through to the end of the 2014/15 NBL season.
Basketball Australia Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock said the new deal was a great opportunity for future growth of the NBL.
“As a league the NBL has undertaken to reshape itself over the past two years in order to allow us to reform the sport commercially,” said Sengstock. “This commitment from ONE and TEN is a massive vote of confidence in the advances we have made recently.
“Coming on top of the success of the 2009/10 season with its 5% increase in attendance and sold-out Grand Final series as well as the recent announcement of the return of the Sydney Kings to the competition for 2010/11, this deal is fantastic news for the NBL and basketball in general.”
“Partnering with ONE and TEN will provide the NBL with significant and valuable cross-promotional opportunities and will be very attractive to sponsors and other prospective commercial partners,” Sengstock added.
Network Ten General Manager - Sport David White added: “We are very pleased to be partnering with basketball in Australia and we recognise all the hard work that has been going into the reformation of the NBL. Of course the NBL provides ONE and TEN with great sports content we can showcase throughout the summer months.”
Live coverage of the NBL will grow over the term of the agreement, starting with a minimum of two live games a week on either ONE or TEN in 20010/11 and increasing to five games per round in the final year of the contract.
MEDIA RELEASE
26 March 2010
NBL SIGNS DEAL WITH NETWORK TEN
ONE AND TEN THE NEW HOME OF AUSTRALIAN BASKETBALL
Following a thrilling 2009/10 National Basketball League season that marked a renaissance for the NBL and just days after announcing the rebirth of the Sydney Kings, Basketball Australia have unveiled a new broadcast deal with Network Ten and its digital sports channel ONE.
In a move that is set to offer a wide array of commercial opportunities for the NBL, BA has signed a five-year deal to show games live on both ONE and TEN nationally through to the end of the 2014/15 NBL season.
Basketball Australia Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock said the new deal was a great opportunity for future growth of the NBL.
“As a league the NBL has undertaken to reshape itself over the past two years in order to allow us to reform the sport commercially,” said Sengstock. “This commitment from ONE and TEN is a massive vote of confidence in the advances we have made recently.
“Coming on top of the success of the 2009/10 season with its 5% increase in attendance and sold-out Grand Final series as well as the recent announcement of the return of the Sydney Kings to the competition for 2010/11, this deal is fantastic news for the NBL and basketball in general.”
“Partnering with ONE and TEN will provide the NBL with significant and valuable cross-promotional opportunities and will be very attractive to sponsors and other prospective commercial partners,” Sengstock added.
Network Ten General Manager - Sport David White added: “We are very pleased to be partnering with basketball in Australia and we recognise all the hard work that has been going into the reformation of the NBL. Of course the NBL provides ONE and TEN with great sports content we can showcase throughout the summer months.”
Live coverage of the NBL will grow over the term of the agreement, starting with a minimum of two live games a week on either ONE or TEN in 20010/11 and increasing to five games per round in the final year of the contract.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Brisbane Bullets update
This news just in from the Twitter world regarding the return of the Brisbane Bullets to the NBL (start at the bottom and read up):
- DanielEade @DJ_Rod I just got off the phone, Sydney's bid is more advanced but both will be excepted.
(Roger's edit: I assume Daniel actually means "accepted" not excepted)
-
DJ_Rod @DanielEade you are THE WORST at jumping to conclusions!!!
-
DanielEade Sydney Kings and Brisbane Bullets are set to re-enter the NBL next season.
Meanwhile Sengstock confirmed there is a 'realistic' chance both Brisbane and Sydney will be included in next season's competition.
"There's certainly a realistic chance, I can't say they are over the line, but we're very happy with them, they are two committed groups."
"To move forward we haven't shied away from the fact that we have to have those two major markets."
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Brisbane NBL update
I just received this e-mail update about the progress of a Brisbane team re-entering the NBL next season.
INFORMATION Update -Brisbane
The Brisbane NBL Back On Board Initiative today confirmed that a private ownership group continues to work with BasketballAustralia on the goal of bringing an NBL licence back to Brisbane
INFORMATION Update -
The Brisbane NBL Back On Board Initiative today confirmed that a private ownership group continues to work with Basketball
Chief Executive Officer of Basketball
“The group continues to work with Basketball
“We are working closely with the private ownership group to secure appropriate financial support to take the proposal forward and we hope to provide further updates in the near future.”
“In the meantime it is important for our supporters to know that progress is being made.”
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Gold Coast Blaze recap
If you're following me on Twitter you may have read parts of this story already, if not, here's the trip report from the Gold Coast Blaze vs Melbourne Tigers game last night.
I've been going to basketball games for the last 20+ years and including my 5 years with the Brisbane Bullets have had some great game night experiences. Firstly, when I was 17 one of my friend's dad had a corporate box at Boondall that he gave to us for a couple of games. We were of course underage at the time but that didn't stop us enjoying the corporate drinks and generally having a great night out. Then a few years ago, there was the time that Eddy Groves chartered a plane to take all the Bullets support crew down to Melbourne to cheer on the team in game 2 of the grand final series. As well as the trip, I was lucky enough to sit at the end of the player's bench to watch the game. But last night's Blaze game was definitely right up there ...
One of my friends organised some tickets for us and mentioned they would likely be corporate seats. I was keen to get to the game so the corporate part was really just a bonus. She received confirmation from Blaze GM Dave Claxton about the tickets as well as an invite for us to the pre-game cocktail party.
We arrived at the service counter at the stadium and were advised that Katie had just taken our tickets to which my friend and I looked at each other and jokingly questioned who Katie was. One of the staff walked us to the function room and introduced us to Katie who then introduced us to a few people in the room. We grabbed a drink, something to eat and then went over to say hi to Dave Claxton who informed us we were in the owner's box tonight with Owen & Katie Tomlinson as well as Basketball Australia CEO Larry Sengstock. Katie then came back and chatted to us and it was then it dawned on me that Katie was in fact one of the Blaze owners.
After speeches from Dave & Larry we chatted to the CEO for a few minutes prior to the game and then headed to our box. As we were walking with Owen & Larry we of course walked around the edge of the court and got the chance to say hi to Joey, Ronny, Big Joe and Gibbo before taking our seats. The box was of course centre court and it was great to watch the game with the league's CEO and have the owner's passing me beers all night!
Now, my observations from the actual game:
It was a fantastic night and I owe a big thank you to my friend for hooking me up in VIP fashion. A massive thank you also to Owen, Katie & Dave for their warm welcome and generous hospitality throughout the night.
The view from the corporate box ... and yes, that's the back of Basketball Australia's CEO Larry Sengstock's head sitting in front of me.
I've been going to basketball games for the last 20+ years and including my 5 years with the Brisbane Bullets have had some great game night experiences. Firstly, when I was 17 one of my friend's dad had a corporate box at Boondall that he gave to us for a couple of games. We were of course underage at the time but that didn't stop us enjoying the corporate drinks and generally having a great night out. Then a few years ago, there was the time that Eddy Groves chartered a plane to take all the Bullets support crew down to Melbourne to cheer on the team in game 2 of the grand final series. As well as the trip, I was lucky enough to sit at the end of the player's bench to watch the game. But last night's Blaze game was definitely right up there ...
One of my friends organised some tickets for us and mentioned they would likely be corporate seats. I was keen to get to the game so the corporate part was really just a bonus. She received confirmation from Blaze GM Dave Claxton about the tickets as well as an invite for us to the pre-game cocktail party.
We arrived at the service counter at the stadium and were advised that Katie had just taken our tickets to which my friend and I looked at each other and jokingly questioned who Katie was. One of the staff walked us to the function room and introduced us to Katie who then introduced us to a few people in the room. We grabbed a drink, something to eat and then went over to say hi to Dave Claxton who informed us we were in the owner's box tonight with Owen & Katie Tomlinson as well as Basketball Australia CEO Larry Sengstock. Katie then came back and chatted to us and it was then it dawned on me that Katie was in fact one of the Blaze owners.
After speeches from Dave & Larry we chatted to the CEO for a few minutes prior to the game and then headed to our box. As we were walking with Owen & Larry we of course walked around the edge of the court and got the chance to say hi to Joey, Ronny, Big Joe and Gibbo before taking our seats. The box was of course centre court and it was great to watch the game with the league's CEO and have the owner's passing me beers all night!
Now, my observations from the actual game:
- Another poor crowd in attendance
- Ben Knight will not be back anytime soon from the knee injury he suffered in the first quarter
- The Gold Coast Blaze's defence and rebounding needs work and quick
- Blaze look terrible when they go to the "no-motion offence"
- Mark Worthington was a one-man wrecking crew, killing the Blaze for most of the game (31 points, 9 boards)
- Erron Maxey can play and will put up some large numbers this season (29 points, 7 boards)
- Blaze look good when they get offensive contributions outside of their stars
- Chris Goulding is a big chance for this year's Most Improved Player award
- Sam Mackinnon is still average from the free-throw line
It was a fantastic night and I owe a big thank you to my friend for hooking me up in VIP fashion. A massive thank you also to Owen, Katie & Dave for their warm welcome and generous hospitality throughout the night.
The view from the corporate box ... and yes, that's the back of Basketball Australia's CEO Larry Sengstock's head sitting in front of me.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
NBL has a major sponsor
Yes, I've been M.I.A over the last week or so, I'll explain more in my next post.
Big news came through yesterday that the NBL has a new major sponsor for the upcoming season, insurance broker, OAMPS. This is a great step forward for the league so congratulations to CEO Larry Sengstock and his team for getting the deal done. Hopefully this officially marks the end of the Hummer jokes!
NBL > News
OAMPS Insurance Brokers has been unveiled as a new long-term major sponsor of the National Basketball League competition for the 2009/10 NBL season.
The partnership is a major coup for the League in the lead-up to the new season’s tip-off on 24 September, and follows on from the recent announcement of a new agreement with Fox Sports that will see the NBL’s television live coverage almost double.
Basketball Australia Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock said the partnership showed that basketball’s grass roots strength made the sport an attractive commercial proposition.
Big news came through yesterday that the NBL has a new major sponsor for the upcoming season, insurance broker, OAMPS. This is a great step forward for the league so congratulations to CEO Larry Sengstock and his team for getting the deal done. Hopefully this officially marks the end of the Hummer jokes!
NBL > News
OAMPS Insurance Brokers has been unveiled as a new long-term major sponsor of the National Basketball League competition for the 2009/10 NBL season.
The partnership is a major coup for the League in the lead-up to the new season’s tip-off on 24 September, and follows on from the recent announcement of a new agreement with Fox Sports that will see the NBL’s television live coverage almost double.
Basketball Australia Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock said the partnership showed that basketball’s grass roots strength made the sport an attractive commercial proposition.
Friday, August 7, 2009
The NBL has a plan ...
... finally! It's nice to see things heading in the right direction, although it is way to early to get excited.
He may cop a bit of criticism, but if you have a few minutes here's a really interesting article from Boti Nagy. Click on the title to read the full story and hear all about Basketball Australia's CEO Larry Sengstock's plan for the league.
AdelaideNow... NBL courts national support
BOTI NAGY
August 06, 2009
LARRY Sengstock is used to battling impossible odds and coming out with a surprise positive result.
Back when the 201cm Hall of Fame and Olympic legend with the flowing blonde hair and appearance of a surfer boy was butting his head into the chest of the Soviet Union's 220cm Vladimir Tkatchenko, he already was showing a spirit first embodied by the Anzacs.
Since ascending the sport's loftiest job as Basketball Australia's chief executive officer in April, Sengstock has averted a crisis and saved the NBL, is reshaping it to a new sustainable vision and meeting the game's critics head-on.
He may cop a bit of criticism, but if you have a few minutes here's a really interesting article from Boti Nagy. Click on the title to read the full story and hear all about Basketball Australia's CEO Larry Sengstock's plan for the league.
AdelaideNow... NBL courts national support
BOTI NAGY
August 06, 2009
LARRY Sengstock is used to battling impossible odds and coming out with a surprise positive result.
Back when the 201cm Hall of Fame and Olympic legend with the flowing blonde hair and appearance of a surfer boy was butting his head into the chest of the Soviet Union's 220cm Vladimir Tkatchenko, he already was showing a spirit first embodied by the Anzacs.
Since ascending the sport's loftiest job as Basketball Australia's chief executive officer in April, Sengstock has averted a crisis and saved the NBL, is reshaping it to a new sustainable vision and meeting the game's critics head-on.
Friday, July 31, 2009
NBL pre-season tournament in Darwin
Hot off the presses, I just received the following media release from the NBL.
31 July 2009
NBL TO HOLD PRE-SEASON TOURNAMENT IN
The National Basketball League will hold a pre-season tournament, the Top End Challenge, featuring all eight NBL teams in
The event, which is being supported by the
“I am delighted that the National Basketball League has selected
“This Government has a proud record of hosting premier sporting events – particularly those sports that have produced home grown stars such as Cairns Taipans star Gary Boodnikoff.
“We are very proud to host this year’s Challenge and showcase our international sporting facilities against the backdrop of
Basketball
“This event is a further sign that Basketball is back and stronger than ever,” said Sengstock, “ The Top End Challenge brings together the whole NBL family in a pre-season carnival that is a full dress rehearsal for the season proper and provides a real insight into how each team is shaping up for the 2009/10 Season. This is an important statement about the strength and resilience of Basketball in
“Basketball
NT Basketball President Pam Adam was extremely supportive of the event.
“It gives our committed basketball community the chance to watch, learn and interact with their NBL heroes. Our young basketballers are very excited by the opportunity to attend the NBL coaching clinics,” said Adam.
The tournament will be held at the Marrara Indoor Stadium, which has hosted a number of Perth Wildcats’ home games in recent seasons. Each team will have a minimum of three full games, playing in an elimination format on Marrara’s two courts. Tip-off times will be staggered to start at 5pm, 6pm, 7pm and 8pm with the grand final scheduled for Saturday, 5 September.
The gathering of the NBL community in Darwin will also facilitate a number of important governance meetings, including a NBL/Club CEO’s Meeting and a meeting of the NBL Commission, which governs the NBL and answers to the BA Board, consisting of Dianne Smith-Gander and Bruce Spangler (BA Board), CEO Larry Sengstock and Commissioners Ian Smythe (CEO Townsville Crocodiles), Wayne Morris (CEO Wollongong Hawks), Paul Blackwell (Owner New Zealand Breakers) and Andrew Vlahov (Independent).
Tickets for the Top End Challenge will go on sale in August.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
NBL ... the wait continues
NBL fans will have to wait another week before hearing anything about the new league and the upcoming season. Here is an announcement from the league, click on the title below to read the full story.
NBL > News
Basketball Australia Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock has revealed he is confident that the outcome of the Expression of Interest process for the new National Basketball League will be finalised by next week, following two days of productive talks with the NBL owners.
Representatives of the BA Board met with the NBL owners group in Melbourne on Monday and Tuesday this week to address the few outstanding issues flagged during the EOI process by the respondents.
Sengstock said however that there had been some significant progress made during the discussions and that an announcement on the outcome of the NBL EOI would be made next week.
“The EOI process has been a very complex and sensitive one and has required full consultation with the NBL owners,” said Sengstock. “It has required some lengthy and detailed discussions to reach accord with all of the EOI respondents, and we have been very pleased with the progress made this week towards an ultimate outcome.
NBL > News
Basketball Australia Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock has revealed he is confident that the outcome of the Expression of Interest process for the new National Basketball League will be finalised by next week, following two days of productive talks with the NBL owners.
Representatives of the BA Board met with the NBL owners group in Melbourne on Monday and Tuesday this week to address the few outstanding issues flagged during the EOI process by the respondents.
Sengstock said however that there had been some significant progress made during the discussions and that an announcement on the outcome of the NBL EOI would be made next week.
“The EOI process has been a very complex and sensitive one and has required full consultation with the NBL owners,” said Sengstock. “It has required some lengthy and detailed discussions to reach accord with all of the EOI respondents, and we have been very pleased with the progress made this week towards an ultimate outcome.
Friday, May 1, 2009
NBL update ... or lack there of
I was reading the OzHoops boards earlier in the week to see what was going on this off-season and not surprisingly the talk was regarding the new NBL and upcoming announcements from Basketball Australia. Talk had that announcements would come yesterday and to a degree they did.
Unfortunately the announcement is that they have nothing really to announce as yet. Since JR's lips are sealed, click here to read what's being said on the NBL boards.
Basketball players and fans have to continue to wait and hope ...
NBL > News
Basketball Australia Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock released the following statement with regard to the on-going Expression of Interest process for the new men’s elite national competition to replace the National Basketball League.
“The Board of Basketball Australia held a meeting last night during which the status of the Expression of Interest process was discussed in detail,” said Sengstock.
“Until the Board is able to clarify a number of outstanding issues they are simply not yet in a position to announce details of the outcome of the EOI process. The complexity of this process makes it necessary to take this additional time, as it is vital that we get it right.
“We do however hope to be in a position to make a full statement with regard to the new national men’s competition shortly. Until we are in a position to announce the ultimate outcome of the EOI, we cannot comment on the specifics of the applications of each of the individual respondents for commercial confidentiality reasons.”
Unfortunately the announcement is that they have nothing really to announce as yet. Since JR's lips are sealed, click here to read what's being said on the NBL boards.
Basketball players and fans have to continue to wait and hope ...
NBL > News
Basketball Australia Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock released the following statement with regard to the on-going Expression of Interest process for the new men’s elite national competition to replace the National Basketball League.
“The Board of Basketball Australia held a meeting last night during which the status of the Expression of Interest process was discussed in detail,” said Sengstock.
“Until the Board is able to clarify a number of outstanding issues they are simply not yet in a position to announce details of the outcome of the EOI process. The complexity of this process makes it necessary to take this additional time, as it is vital that we get it right.
“We do however hope to be in a position to make a full statement with regard to the new national men’s competition shortly. Until we are in a position to announce the ultimate outcome of the EOI, we cannot comment on the specifics of the applications of each of the individual respondents for commercial confidentiality reasons.”
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
More NBL updates
I mentioned last week the Australian basketball public was waiting to hear the big announcements from the NBL. The main one being the new CEO which went to Larry Sengstock (pictured below). Click on the title below to read the full announcement.
NBL > News
Sengstock takes the helm
Australian basketball has a new hand at the helm to guide it through the next stage of its commercial reform after the legendary Larry Sengstock was named as the sport's new Chief Executive Officer by Basketball Australia. Sengstock comes to basketball as an acknowledged leader in Australian sports management with exceptional experience in working with all levels of sport both locally and internationally, all range of commercial enterprises and with all levels of government.
Here's an article about Larry and what he has ahead of himself over the next few weeks.
In other "New NBL" news, word on the street has it that Brisbane and Sydney won't be involved in the first season. Here's an article by Marco Monteverde (who I used to work with at the Bullets) who chatted with Andrew Gaze about the (hopefully) upcoming season.
NBL > News
Sengstock takes the helm
Australian basketball has a new hand at the helm to guide it through the next stage of its commercial reform after the legendary Larry Sengstock was named as the sport's new Chief Executive Officer by Basketball Australia. Sengstock comes to basketball as an acknowledged leader in Australian sports management with exceptional experience in working with all levels of sport both locally and internationally, all range of commercial enterprises and with all levels of government.
Here's an article about Larry and what he has ahead of himself over the next few weeks.
In other "New NBL" news, word on the street has it that Brisbane and Sydney won't be involved in the first season. Here's an article by Marco Monteverde (who I used to work with at the Bullets) who chatted with Andrew Gaze about the (hopefully) upcoming season.
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