Olympics decision to enhance Tauranga basketball growth, says coach

HISTORY MAKERS: Tauranga City under-15 boys won their qualifying division over the weekend. PHOTO: Supplied

Basketball by Peter White

The inclusion of 3x3 Basketball in the 2020 Olympic Games is expected to have a flow-on effect for the sport in the regions and will create more opportunities for local players.

That is the view of Tauranga City Basketball's general manager Mark Rogers.

This week the International Olympic Committee confirmed the shortened outdoor version of the game will have a full spot at the Olympic Games in Japan.

With New Zealand having claimed two under-18 world titles in this format already, Rogers says the ruling is good news for the development of the sport locally.

"I am sure Basketball New Zealand will be hoping High Performance Sport New Zealand sees the opportunity this provides New Zealand and they will fund the further development of 3x3 Basketball at the elite level," he said.

The announcement comes ahead of the 29th edition of the Atomic Masters tournament this weekend, which is running alongside the NZNBL Final Four to be held at ASB Arena on Friday and Saturday nights.

"It will be an action-packed weekend, which also includes an under-13 tournament and coaching clinics," Rogers said.

"I am personally looking forward to seeing Cory Webster play here before he heads to the USA for another NBA trial."

This year has already been a huge success, most recently with Tauranga City and Rotorua Basketball Association both qualifying teams for the National Under-15 and Under-17 boys and girls events at Queen's Birthday weekend.

It was the first time Tauranga City has secured a number-one seed spot from qualifiers.

There has also been a surge in the sport's popularity in the Eastern Bay towns, where it continues to grow at a rapid pace and the secondary school league has reached capacity after just three years.

"The work Sport Bay of Plenty School Sport team leader Gareth Yates has done out east has been instrumental in developing this growth," Rogers said.

"Pathways and possibilities for New Zealand's basketballers both male and female continue to grow. It is great for Tauranga City and the wider Bay of Plenty that basketball is able to bring some of these opportunities to the region, as well as the economic spin-offs that come with hosting events here.

"I hope [fans] get the opportunity to come and support the local sides playing here in events throughout the year."

The NZNBL Final Four is on Friday and Saturday from 5pm. Tickets can be purchased from Ticketek and TECT card holders can receive a 50 per cent discount by presenting their card at Baypark.