The game of basketball
and its hopeful rejuvenation in this country is resting
broadly on the shoulders of these 12 young men, who
we believe are capable of doing something special once
the Olympic flame is lit in Beijing.
There are a lot of people in the game who believe that
today is one of the most important and most exciting
times in the history of Australian basketball. Though
a major reason that many people believe basketball is
dieing in Australia is due to the lack of respect, support
and positive exposure given by the national newspapers
and TV networks. The only real media attention basketball
has received lately has been negative, implying that
the financial struggles of Sydney and Brisbane in the
NBL means that basketball in Australia is falling apart,
when in actual fact, it’s quite the opposite.
It was unfortunate two clubs were in the wrong hands
at the wrong time, though the sport itself is still
alive and well.
The Melbourne Tigers are said to have
turned over a profit of $700,000 last season, while
the South Dragons have signed National coach and former
South East Melbourne Magic coach, Brian Goorjian, which
we expect will re-ignite the cross-town rivalry back
in Melbourne that helped make the game so successful
back in the 90s. But the biggest thing happening right
now is the Olympics, where the Boomers and Opals will
both go into battle for the sport and the country next
month in Beijing.
This is probably the most significant
Olympic games for Australian basketball in recent history.
The women’s team are confidently striving for
the gold, while the men’s team constantly prepare
themselves to not only compete for a medal, but to leave
everything out there on the floor each and every game.
This is the Olympics. It’s the
dream that every kid dreams about. It only comes around
every 4 years, and when it comes, you better be ready
to step up as this might be your only chance you’ll
ever get to be part of Australian sporting history.
The challenge for the Boomers is not
just to get out of the first round or compete for the
most prestigious medal, it’s more than that. The
challenge lies within each and every player who puts
on the green and gold jersey. The challenge becomes
the question. Can we compete to win? Can we back each
other up? Can we play with a passion that inspires?
Can we bring back something to the game in Australia
that goes beyond winning a medal?
Whether our Boomers return to Australia
with a medal or not, we’re hopeful that these
12 young men can bring home something more than that.
We hope that the Olympic flame can be brought back to
the game, and use it to re-light the sport once again
here in Australia.
Stay tuned with Hoopcity as we continue to follow the
Boomers and Opals journey to Beijing
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