Sydney Kings head coach Brian Goorjian has declared Canberra the perfect location for the National Basketball League's next expansion team, following a pulsating contest that showcased the capital's appetite for elite hoops.
A Sold-Out Arena Sends a Powerful Message
The call came after Goorjian's Kings edged the Adelaide 36ers 97-93 in an overtime epic on Wednesday night, a contest instantly labelled a game of the year contender. The real story, however, was the atmosphere inside the AIS Arena in Bruce, where a crowd of 4154 fans created a sell-out spectacle.
For the legendary six-time championship coach, the vibrant scene was a stark contrast to darker times. Goorjian, with over 850 NBL games to his name, recalled the "nightmare" era when the beloved Canberra Cannons folded and the league itself teetered on the brink.
"I felt like the game is hot right now," Goorjian said, highlighting Australia's NBA talent, the Next Star program, and the nation's diverse basketball communities. "We need more teams, so there's more opportunities for players. What better place than here?"
Venue Holds the Key to Canberra's NBL Dream
Goorjian's endorsement amplifies a growing chorus for a Canberra franchise, joining the likes of independent senator David Pocock and WNBL star Jade Melbourne. The NBL has officially listed the capital alongside Sydney and the Gold Coast as a preferred expansion city.
However, the league's ambition for venues seating at least 8000 spectators presents a significant hurdle. This requirement increases pressure on the ACT government to progress plans for a new city convention centre capable of hosting major sports events.
NBL chief executive David Stevenson has indicated a willingness for a prospective Canberra team to use the AIS Arena as an interim home base while a permanent solution is developed. The electric atmosphere generated by Wednesday's near-capacity crowd certainly strengthened that case.
From Past Struggles to a Bright Future
Reflecting on his previous stint with the Kings, Goorjian remembered playing in Canberra during the league's most difficult period. "The league at that time was really struggling... It was a nightmare, and really poor," he admitted.
He confessed to nerves before Wednesday's game, wondering about the level of local support. Those fears were quickly allayed. "It was a tremendous atmosphere to play in. There is energy now around basketball," Goorjian said, referencing his visit to the Australian Institute of Sport's Centre of Excellence.
"Everyone is kind of talking about NBL for Canberra. We walk away tonight feeling like we did a little good for them," the veteran coach concluded, leaving the capital with a powerful endorsement and a thrilling victory in its wake.
