THE emergence of Australia star Andrew Bogut in the US has put Australian basketball on the map - and National Basketball Association commissioner David Stern likes what he sees.
Stern is so impressed with Australia's basketball talent that he is contemplating holding NBA exhibition games and clinics Down Under.
He has also thrown up the possibility of games between National Basketball League clubs and teams from the NBA's second-tier development league (NBDL).
"We have been discussing how we can put Australia into the rotation for a visit of some kind from (the) NBA with respect to a clinic, with respect to an exhibition game," Stern was quoted as saying on the NBA website.
"And maybe even the possibility of some interplay between our NBDL and your NBL because Australia is producing some pretty interesting players for us.
The NBA was instrumental in organising hugely successful exhibition matches between the US' Dream Team and Australia in Melbourne in 2000 and 2001.
Stern said distance was the main obstacle facing the NBA when it came to organising Australian visits.
"I would say that Australia has always been a market of some interest to us," he said.
"But it's hard in terms of travel and it's hard to figure out precisely the right schedule.
"So we don't have anything on the drawing board right now."
Besides Bogut, the No.1 pick in the 2005 NBA Draft, Townsville guard Brad Newley is also in the NBA's sights. |
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The shooting guard spent six weeks in the US working out with seven NBA clubs and attending an Orlando camp this year, but he pulled out of the 2006 Draft.
He vowed to bulk up during another NBL season with Townsville before again putting his hand up for the NBA Draft.
NBA scouts are also believed to be watching South Dragons rookie Joe Ingles.
NBL commissioner Rick Burton said he was keen to "work together" with Stern in a bid to make the NBA visit a reality.
"The NBA is obviously the most successful basketball league in the world and we will of course look to explore any mutually beneficial opportunities," Burton said.
AAP |
