The NBL1 South 2024 season-opening round promises an electrifying start with a lineup of thrilling matchups, featuring both classic rivalries and new contests.
Tipping off the action tonight is a clash between Western Victorian Titans, the Ballarat Miners, and the Bendigo Braves. Simultaneously, at the Southern Basketball Stadium, anticipation builds for the rematch of the NBL1 South 2023 Men’s Grand Final, pitting the new-look Knox Raiders against the formidable Sandringham Sabres.
Adding to the excitement, the Ringwood Hawks will play host to the Kilsyth Cobras in what promises to be two much-anticipated games of basketball at Norwood Secondary. Thursday night sees the Melbourne Tigers welcoming the Dandenong Rangers to their home court, promising a showdown of fierce competition.
On Friday night, the Nunawading Spectres will set the stage for the inaugural clash of the Greater Eastern Basketball Conference (GEBC) against the Ringwood Hawks, while the Frankston Blues prepare to face off against the Keilor Thunder to get their seasons underway.
Saturday night brings forth the ceremony of champions as the Bendigo Braves, boasting a flawless record of 28-0, proudly raise their banner before engaging in a Grand Final 2023 rematch with the Waverley Falcons. Meanwhile, the historic rivalry known as 'The Ashes' reignites at Kilsyth Basketball Stadium, where the Knox Raiders square off against their local rivals. Across the Tasman Sea, the Launceston Tornadoes & North West Tasmania Thunder collide with the Hobart Chargers in an All-Tasmanian tussle.
Adding to the Saturday excitement, the Sandringham Sabres will play their second game of the season hosting the Mount Gambier Pioneers, while the Eltham Wildcats welcome their local rivals, the Diamond Valley Eagles, to their home court to play for the O’Connor-Cukier Cup.
Sunday afternoon action features the Frankston Blues hosting Mac’s Game against the Eltham Wildcats, the Ballarat Miners take on Geelong United, the Melbourne Tigers will battle it out against the Nunawading Spectres, and the Waverley Falcons will lock horns with the Mount Gambier Pioneers, ensuring a huge weekend of NBL1 South basketball.
NBL1 South League Manager Alison Cody spoke about the season ahead.
"Firstly, I'd like to acknowledge our new partners for the 2024 season, RSL Active and BarterCard, and thank them for their invaluable support."
The playing rosters for the NBL1 South 2024 season will include the likes of current and potential Australian Opals such as Maddi Rocci, Amy Atwell, and Stephanie Reid, returning international import stars such as KJ Feagin, Juna Umezawa, Dillon Stith, Paige Bradley, and Tyler Rudolph. This season has also seen a noticeable increase in New Zealand talent added to many rosters.
"All the team playing rosters seem to have elevated from the 2023 season. We’ve never seen a season with so much local & international talent, and there are still more players yet to be announced."
“I’m excited to see the season tip-off tonight."
