NBL teams set to put on a show at Stadium

Two of the nation’s premier basketball sides will do battle at Stadium 2000 on April 1 – and you would be foolish not to get down there and catch the action.

Marlborough basketball are once again hosting a pre-season match between National Basketball League rivals the Nelson Giants and the Wellington Saints. At last year’s corresponding game between the Giants and the Canterbury Rams numbers were restricted due to the Covid crisis. However, organisers are excited that this year they can welcome an even bigger crowd and include a few more fun aspects that were shelved in previous seasons.

Vicki Gifford, from the Marlborough Basketball Association, says, “with basketball being such a growth sport – and increased numbers of participants in the Marlborough region across all age grades - we are thrilled to get the support of the Nelson Giants for what is generally an annual fixture.

“The game is a premier fundraising event for Marlborough basketball and helps us to provide competitions and development programmes for our players.”

Both the Giants and Saints reached the playoffs in the Sals NBL competition last year “so this pre-season game will be a great chance to check out the form of both teams as they move into the regular season that starts the following week”, added Vicki.

In addition to the main event, there will be a curtain-raiser between the Marlborough Magic men’s team and the Athletic club from Nelson.

A thrilling and challenging half time show is also planned. The Liquid Action Halftime Half Court Shoot-out will be a chance for some budding stars to show their shooting prowess and potentially outdo Liquid Action’s Matt Broughan.

The main game tips off at 2.30pm with the curtain raiser starting at 12pm. Doors open at 11.45am. Tickets are just $10 per person for both games and are available from Eventbite.co.nz https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/ e/2023-nbl-pre-season-basketballtickets-560016824397

3x3 tournament

Prior to the big boys coming to town, there is an opportunity for the younger basketballing brigade to show their skills.

The 2023 Primary Schools 3x3 tournament will take place at the Stadium on March 25- 26.

It is the first Primary Schools 3x3 tournament to be hosted in Marlborough and will also involve teams from Nelson.

“The tournament is a development and participation-focused event aimed at year 5&6 basket- ballers in the region,” said Vicki. “3x3 is a fast-paced, fun, “street ball”-style format of the game. It has recently become an Olympic sport and is a huge growth area in basketball.

“We are lucky to have a great 3x3 facility at the Stadium and weather permitting we will be making the most of the outdoor space for the tournament, however we have the indoor courts as back up should mother nature not play ball.”

There is still space for some last-minute entries, so any year 5 &6 players that want to join in should contact development@ marlboroughbasketball.org.nz ASAP.

Games will be on from 9am3pm on both Saturday and Sunday with a fund-raiser BBQ on hand.