Pre-season NBL Blitz tournament to take place in Tasmania

The Hungry Jack’s NBL Blitz will return next month across Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales as teams ramp up preparations for the Hungry Jack’s NBL Season, announced to start on December 3.

The JackJumpers, Bullets, Breakers, 36ers, Wildcats and Taipans will converge on the Apple Isle on November 14 for a fortnight of action while United, Phoenix, Kings and Hawks will play their pre-season games across Victoria and New South Wales (exact locations to be determined) in the same two-week period, beginning November 13.

The brand-new, world-class MyState Bank Arena will be launched with the Hungry Jack’s NBL Blitz being the inaugural event to be held at the venue.

It will be the second time in three years Tasmania hosts the pre-season tournament and games will again be played across all corners of the state including Hobart, Launceston, Ulverstone and Kingborough.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be returning to Tasmania on November 14 for another Hungry Jack’s NBL Blitz,” Hungry Jack’s NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said. “The NBL is very grateful of the Tasmanian Government and Premier Peter Gutwein, once again rolling out the welcome mat for our teams.

“We’re honoured that this year’s Hungry Jack’s NBL Blitz will be the first event ever held at MyState Bank Arena and we couldn’t be more excited to be launching the world class venue as the new home of Tasmanian sports and entertainment.

“I have no doubt the Blitz will be another first-class event and it has the added bonus of giving the JackJumpers the perfect springboard to enter the league before they have the honour of tipping off the season opener against the Adelaide 36ers at MyState Bank Arena.

“We trust that along with the JackJumpers, our teams Brisbane, New Zealand, Adelaide, Perth and Cairns will all be afforded the best opportunity to tune up for the season proper which begins on December 3.

“I know that after a very unusual off-season our players will be looking forward to getting amongst the community so be sure to get ready for everything that’s coming your way, Tasmania.”

The Premier of Tasmania, Peter Gutwein, says he’s excited for NBL action to return.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for basketball fans all over our beautiful State to watch elite level competition, and excitingly the Blitz will be free of charge for Tasmanian residents,” Premier Gutwein said.

Tasmanian Minister for Sport and Recreation, Jane Howlett, says the pre-season tournament presents a great opportunity for Tasmanian communities to engage with their NBL heroes.

“I can’t wait to see Tasmanians of all ages interacting with players. This will help to promote the sport and drive participation at a grassroots level,” Minister Howlett said.

Each team across all three states will play at least four games with a points system to determine the winner of the preseason tournament.

“All games, whether they’re played in Tasmania or elsewhere, will count towards the overall tournament standings and we look forward to watching terrific basketball as anticipation builds ahead of the regular season,” Loeliger said.

Tickets to the Hungry Jack’s NBL Blitz in Tasmania will be free of charge with funding and support coming from the Tasmanian government.

All games will be live streamed.

The winner will be awarded the Loggins-Bruton Cup, while the tournament’s most outstanding player will win the Ray Borner Medal.

All games are worth a maximum of 7 points; 3 points are awarded to the winning team, with an additional point awarded to the side that wins each quarter. In the event a quarter is tied, both teams receive half of a point. If a game goes into overtime, no additional points are awarded.

The full Hungry Jack’s NBL Blitz schedule will be announced soon.