CLANCY OVERELL | Editor | CONTACT
The National Basketball League of Australia has today unveiled their new development program, known as GrassROOTS. Which is aimed at making sure their American imports are encouraged to stay in Australia after their retirement from playing.
This comes after a stellar season for Dante Exum and Ben Simmons, both Australian born sons of ex-NBL players. That, as well as former UCLA gun-for-hire Jonah Bolden.
Aside from the Blacktown (NSW) and Sunshine (VIC) South Sudanese communities, majority of Australia’s most succesful basketballer talent is directly coming from households of ex-American NBL players.
That, as well as one kid who ended up in the AFL (Archie Smith, 22, Ruckman) – who is the son of former Brisbane Bullets icon, Andre Moore
NBL CEO, Jeremy Loeliger, says after seeing the top tier prodigy of American players, this new program was a no-brainer.
“I know most will go straight to the NBA, or the AFL, but there’s a big chance we’ll catch them on the way down”
“Maybe a season or two, maybe get them as coaches. Either way, this is our most promising program yet”
Loeliger went on to explain just how the program will work, for now.
“We will be providing these players with premium Tinder accounts and June Dally-Watkins polishing classes to help them start families as soon as they settle in”
“As well as VIP booths at the best nightclubs in town
“As tall, half-famous American athletes, most of them don’t need much help, but some do”
“Remember that bloke that ended up becoming a rapper? [J-Wess]”
“Is he still getting around? We should suss out if he’s had any kids”
