(3 minute read)
“Our dance is just beginning” were the words echoed through the community centre room at Ingle Farm Recreation Centre as the inaugural Indigenous Community Basketball League launched Sunday the 7th of February 2021.
With the face of the man who inspired the joining of Indigenous basketball groups Patrick Mills front and centre at every venue across Australia, a generation of basketball players took the court for the first time creating an atmosphere too difficult to describe in words.
Inspired by these words and an attitude to go and get it, local Indigenous Youth group Yellaka provided a “Welcome to Country” to remember led by Karl Telfer as a crowd of close to hundreds (all covid safe naturally) then witnessed four boys teams take the court in two very close games before the girls finished off the day.
Adelaide Lightning and recently signed NBL1 Central Norwood Flames star guard Ally Wilson, the regional coordinator was most proud to see the indigenous girls take the court. “I love it and can’t wait for my girls to get out there being a girl basketballer myself, I am excited to see them play.”
Wilson has been busy behind the scenes along with several others getting the SA region of the league up and running and when starting new competitions in such a targeted approach, it takes much effort and work. “Its been a busy couple of weeks to get it up and running and off the ground but we are here now and super excited to get started”
The event was also attended by plenty of basketball royalty including former WNBL Lightning and Australian Opals players Rachael Sporn and new mum of two Laura Hodges along with former Adelaide 36er and the current head of the Australian Basketball Players’ Association Jacob Holmes. Several Indigenous figures were present as well including Professor Peter Buckskin (Former Dean of Aboriginal Engagement and Strategic Projects at UNISA), TSI Elder Uncle Eddie Peters and former Port Adelaide Power Aboriginal Programs coordinator and one of the most respected leaders in Indigenous sports Paul Vandenburgh.
The coaches featured former Port Adelaide Power AFL footballer Danyle Pearce, Dan Fejo (NBL1 Central Woodville Warriors), Malachai Ah Matt (NBL1 South Adelaide Panthers), Zac Scott (Port Adelaide Athletics Club), Temaana Sanderson-Bromley (West Adelaide Bearcats) and Mathew Chambers to name a few. The turnout of the Indigenous community past and present really showed the need for the league. “I think it means a lot for the Indigenous community and it hasn’t happened before as its the first in Australia and here in Adelaide,” Wilson described the overall atmosphere of the launch and what it means moving forward in the coming months.
The day was capped off with the news that ambassador Mills NBA record breaking 784th game was the most by any Australian in the league, it occurred on the same day as the launch of the ICBL. “Thats crazy it’s worked out like that, Patty has been so supportive of this venture so its really great that its happened like that,” Wilson described the breaking news on Sunday.
I agree Ally, it seems the right timing that Mills record occurred the same day as a new dance begun for the Indigenous community and basketball in South Australia…
Written by Tristan Prentice
CROSS OVER DRIBBLE 