Lots of people expected for the start of the NBL season on September 28, for the Melbourne United – South East Melbourne Phoenix derby. In addition to former local glory Luc Longley, his former Bulls teammate, Scottie Pippenwill also be present.
Michael Jordan’s former lieutenant at the Bulls has been appointed ambassador for the opening of this new season. This will be his first trip there, to “Down Under” (English expression used to designate Australia and New Zealand) as he says.
“ I’ve heard a lot about basketball in Australia and the NBL, and I’ve always wanted to come and see for myself. Today I finally have the opportunity and I can’t wait for it. I was told this NBL season would be the biggest yet. Notice to players: I can’t wait to see what you have in store “, formulates the fifty-year-old in a press release.
The NBL, through its big boss David Stevenson, is pleased to achieve “ a huge blow » by attracting « someone of Scottie Pippen’s stature and importance in the world of basketball to come represent our league and our brand. From our first discussions with Scottie, he showed a real interest in Australia and, above all, he was fully aware of what the NBL was and he knew it very well. »
For Josh Giddey, “the NBL is the closest thing to the NBA”
“ Through his long-standing relationship with Luc Longley, Scottie has always had the ambition to come to Australia to experience the NBL and its many fans, and we are delighted to be able to help him make that happen this season. Scottie is, without a doubt, one of the biggest names in basketball and his accomplishments are nothing short of exceptional », Adds the manager, thinking of the Hall of Famer’s six NBA championship titles.
His arrival puts a new spotlight on this league which continues to gain popularity and ambassadors. Josh Giddey wrote a week ago: “ It has been said recently that the NBL is the best basketball league in the world outside of the NBA and, having played in both, I can honestly say that this is not a mere observation or clever marketing strategy […]. From a purely basketball point of view, the NBL is the closest thing to the NBA. »
