'Doesn't pass pub test': How Thunder snub could undermine NWBU standard

Story By Jacob Bevis  The Advocate

If the North West Thunder is unsuccessful in its bid for an NBL1 South licence and the alternative model lacks "long-term continuity", it could minimise the standard of Coast's senior competition.  That is the view of Penguin's Greg Miller, who was one of eight North West Basketball Union (NWBU) club presidents to throw support behind the Thunder's application to secure the second Tasmanian licence.

"[The NWBU has] had a long-standing partnership with the Thunder that goes back decades.  It's always been a stepping stone and a pathway for especially our younger players," Miller said.  "They bring in experienced and high-level players, which raises the standard. We've financially supported them in the past and continue to do so.  If an NBL1 licence is given to someone in the north, we will have that pathway, but our concern is that if it's not sustainable, and it falls over, we lose that pathway.  It's a big step to go from NWBU and JackJumpers/NBL. NBL1 is the next step and to have that on our doorstep is huge. 

In a letter of endorsement submitted to BTas on July 15, the clubs urged the governing body to support the model that is "community-backed, financially sound, and developmentally proven".   It comes after Basketball Victoria announced in April that the men's and women's teams in the North and North-West must operate under the same licence.  After discussions broke down between the Thunder (men) and Launceston Torndoes (women), the two parties have submitted their own applications before the Friday, July 18 deadline.