By Dale Budge
The first ever New Zealand Basketball League game in Pukekohe was a massive hit on Sunday night despite the home team losing a nail-biter.
The Franklin Bulls have opened their 2021 campaign – and first season at home at the Franklin Pool & Leisure Centre – with a 99-96 loss to the Auckland Huskies in an exciting first game in Pukekohe.
While there were a few typical opening night teething issues, the experience was terrific overall, and the town should get behind a team putting our region on the map.
Coach Jamie Reddish and the off-court team headed by Scott Kelso, are a likeable and talented crew that are passionate about their sport and their hometown.
They have assembled a competitive roster. Former NBA star Josh Selby is worth the very reasonable price of admission alone – he is a high energy, talent-laden bonafide star and he has some handy sidekicks to assist him.
With fellow import Zane Waterman due to arrive this week and Kiwi big man Matt Freeman not far away, the Bulls should be a competitive outfit.
They play an up-tempo style of basketball that will be fun to watch and the close confines of the old Pukekohe Rec Centre makes for good fan viewing.
They used a couple of unique quarter and halftime entertainment ideas and Blitz the bull mascot will be a hit with kids.
Its up to fans to create a lot of the atmosphere and the chanting of Ole, Ole is a bit of a no-brainer.
Price of entry is reasonable and the GA seats provide good viewing and the courtside seats are almost guaranteed to get you on the live television coverage.
If you are a basketball fan then there is simply no excuse for not coming along and cheering on your local team. If you don’t know much about basketball here is some free advice. Basketball, and the Bulls games in particular, are a lot of fun and you will pick it up quickly.
It is fast-paced, all action and you get to be right amongst it.
The hard work has been done by Franklin Basketball to set this team up. It is now up to us as local fans to support it and ensure it stays here and thrives.
We are a lot better off for having top level sport in our hometown.
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