If the Australian Basketball Challenge (ABC) has proven one thing, it is that the NBL is now a viable entertainment package ready to explode in Australia.
The full-court, fast paced action of the tournament was punctuated with a dunk contest to rival anything seen in the NBA. And now, casual fans and NBA die-hards are taking notice.
The dunk contest has already been seen a staggering TWO HUNDRED AND THIRTY- FOUR THOUSAND times from the NBL Facebook page alone, with punters making comments such as “this is surprisingly good for the NBL!” and the backhanded compliment, “I was expecting a layup competition. Wow!”
Click here to view highlights of this years NBL Dunk Competition
Akil Mitchell of the New Zealand Breakers took the competition out, scoring a number of perfect 10s.
However he was given some stiff competition from Adelaide’s Terrance Ferguson, whose tomahawk jam from the free-throw line lifted the roof and got judge, NBL legend Cal Bruton, out of his seat.
The ABC has come at the right time for the NBL, with the revamped NBL TV set to be unleashed upon us all in the coming days. The overwhelming success of the ABC dunk contest could go a long way to making the subscription service a hot commodity with all lovers of the sport – NBA fans included!
And with the NBL’s Facebook page officially eclipsing 100’000 likes today, NBL TV is well placed to make a splash.
A picture posted on Facebook to commemorate 100’000 likes released today. Expect to hear exciting news on NBL TV as soon as Tuesday.
Jarrad Hurley's professional basketball aspirations led him to the dizzying heights of the Adelaide social league circuit. After an epiphany that his hoop dreams would go unrealised, he put the ball down and picked up a pen. Jarrad lives vicariously through the successes of Australian basketball, is a mad 36ers fanatic, and might just cry if the Boomers ever medal.