NBL returns to Territory

The National Basketball League pre-season competition in 2010 will again be held in the Northern Territory.

Minister for Sport and Recreation Karl Hampton announced that the competition would again take place this September in Alice Springs and Darwin, following the successful NBL Top End Challenge last season.

"Basketball is a hugely popular sport in the Territory and I am excited to announce today that the official 2010 NBL pre-season competition will be held in Alice Springs and Darwin in September," said Hampton.

"Last year's tournament was a great success, raising the profile of basketball in the Territory, creating business opportunities and thrilling crowds with spectacular hoops action."

"Today I can confirm that the NBL's finest will be returning to the Territory in September to thrill crowds at Marrara Indoor Stadium and the Alice Springs Basketball Stadium for the Top End Challenge."

The tournament is expected to feature all nine teams from the expanded NBL competition, including the returning Sydney Kings.

Last year's tournament proved to be a good guide for the season proper with NBL runners-up the Wollongong Hawks winning the title.

Basketball Australia chief executive officer Larry Sengstock welcomed the news and is excited for this year's edition of the tournament.

"The Top End Challenge is a unique event on the NBL calendar in that it brings all of our players and coaches together in the one place right before the season tip-off," he said.

"Last year's event in Darwin was a resounding success and we are delighted to work with the Minister to bring the Top End Challenge back to the Northern Territory in 2010. It will be a fantastic opportunity for Territorians to see world class basketball in their own backyard."

As well as playing 12 games, teams will take part in an extensive community engagement program conducting coaching clinics in schools and communities across the Territory, and conducting hospital visits.