3 minute read

The NBL's inaugural HoopsFest was a resounding success, with Sydney Kings coach Brian Goorjian saying it brought 'attention and goodness' to the sport.

Master coach Brian Goorjian has given the NBL's inaugural HoopsFest a big thumbs up, and he wants it to retain its round-one slot in coming years.

The four-day festival of basketball was a resounding success in Perth, attracting large crowds and luring scouts from the US to assess Australian talent.

All 10 NBL teams played their season opener in Perth.

A total of 4622 fans attended the grand final re-match between Tasmania and Melbourne United at RAC Arena on Thursday night, and 4168 fans witnessed Sunday's clash between Sydney and Adelaide.

The double header at the 4000-capacity HBF Stadium on Saturday only attracted 2878 fans, given NZ, Cairns, Illawarra and Brisbane aren't major drawcards.

But the Perth Wildcats drew more than 11,000 fans for their win over South East Melbourne Phoenix on Friday night. 

As part of HoopsFest, the WNBL held a mini pre-season tournament, and an Under-18s club championship was also staged. 

Former NBA stars Carmelo Anthony and Kenny Smith were ambassadors for the event, drawing still more attention to the NBL.

Perth is set to host HoopsFest for the foreseeable future given this initial success, and Kings coach Goorjian is all for it.

"To have all of us here in one place playing for something that matters, getting to see each other, touch each other, know each other, present to the public - I think is a great thing for basketball," Goorjian said. 

"We all grow pretty quickly in an environment like this, so it makes better competition through the year.

"And then that international element that we're talking about having Carmelo here, having scouts here from all over the world. I just think it brings nothing but attention and goodness to our game."

Having HoopsFest in round one - just after teams competed at the Gold Coast's NBL Blitz - added an extra travel burden for clubs.

Defending champions Tasmania were dealt the harshest card, after competing at the Blitz and then FIBA's Intercontinental Cup in Singapore before flying to Perth.

The JackJumpers played three games in three days in Singapore, picking up injuries to Sean Macdonald (ankle) and new import Craig Sword (concussion) along the way.

Tasmania coach Scott Roth fears the hectic schedule could affect his squad for months to come, but Goorjian wants HoopsFest to stay in the round-one slot rather than being held later in the season.

"I love round one," Goorjian said.

"Having it at the start of the year is much better than when I was in COVID (Hub) and we played nine games in Melbourne in the middle of the season."

The Kings, who defeated Adelaide 92-84 on Sunday, will remain in Perth ahead of next Friday's clash with the Wildcats at RAC Arena.