36ers to tip off Blitz schedule

Reigning NBL Blitz champions Adelaide 36ers will tip-off the 2023 tournament in Darwin next month as the countdown to NBL23 heats up.

The 36ers will play South East Melbourne Phoenix on Friday, September 16 at 7.30pm to begin the eight-day tournament in the Top End.

Adelaide 36ers head coach CJ Bruton said the NBL Blitz will be the ideal place for his new-look squad to test themselves ahead of the NBL23 season.

“The Blitz is always a great opportunity to see how the guys have come together in the pre-season as we get three tough games,” Bruton said.

“To tip-off the tournament is an added bonus and we will be going out there to impress.”

The NBL Blitz will be the first chance for teams to debut new players and prepare for the regular season, which starts in October.

“We’ve made a few changes at League level, and we have seen so many exciting roster changes amongst our NBL Clubs, and all of them will be on show for the first time at this year’s Blitz,” NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said.

The 36ers will also play last season’s grand finalists, Tasmania JackJumpers on Monday, September 19, at 5pm and NBL22 semi-finalists Illawarra Hawks on Thursday, September 22 at 7.30pm.

The winning team will be awarded the Loggins-Bruton Cup, while the tournament’s most outstanding player will take home the Ray Borner Medal.

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Each NBL Blitz game is worth a maximum of seven points, with three points awarded to the winning team and one point awarded to the side that wins each quarter. In the event a quarter is tied, both teams receive a half point. If a game goes into overtime, no additional points are awarded.

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The Darwin basketball faithful will be treated to a week of world class basketball and entertainment, while fans across the country will also be able to tune in on Kayo Freebies.

“This is a huge win for the Territory, one that means Territorians will be able to watch some of the best basketballers in the country, live and right here in Darwin," Minister for Major Events Paul Kirby said.

“The Territory has a wonderful basketball community and this event will help develop the game in the Territory and continue to highlight our passion at the sport’s highest level."

“This major international event will also boost visitor numbers to the Territory in the form of players, support crews and travelling fans, which is great news for our tourism and hospitality sectors.”

A 3x3 Pro Hustle will also be played during the Blitz at the Darwin Waterfront on September 17 and 18.

Tickets for the NBL Blitz will go on sale on Friday, August 19.