National Basketball League team South Dragons will feature in a double-header with the Dandenong Rangers at Dandenong Basketball Stadium early next month. Star South Dragons import Kavossy Franklin (right) will no doubt be out to impress the local crowd.By Glen Atwell
THE South Dragons are set to breathe fire into the Dandenong Basketball Stadium next month.
In a blockbuster double-header scheduled for 20 January, local Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) team Dandenong Rangers plays the Townsville Fire before the National Basketball League (NBL) Dragons clash with West Sydney in the main event.
The event is reserved seating only and the Dandenong Basketball Association (DBA) encourages fans to get in early to avoid missing out.
General manager Peter Roach said it was a great coup for the association to host the upcoming double-header.
“Considering both teams’ (Rangers and South Dragons) recent improved form, we are guaranteed to see some top basketball action,” he said.
“It is an exciting time for the DBA with the $9 million redevelopment starting to take shape.
“Once completed, the stadium will become one of Victoria’s premier basketball venues,” Roach said.
After a less than impressive start to the season, the Dragons, led by playing coach Shane Heal, have surged back into NBL play-off contention.
Dragons general manager Ryan Gardiner said Dandenong was an obvious choice of venue when taking big-time basketball back to the suburbs.
“One of the reasons Dandenong was chosen is that it has a great basketball history and has a very professional approach to the sport,” he said.
“The South Dragons’ main emphasis is to create those grass root links with all associations, and an opportunity to play a double header with the WNBL will increase these positive links with the basketball community.
“Playing games with associations such as Dandenong complements the work we do with our Back to the Burbs training sessions and other community programs.”
Tickets for the Dandenong double-header are $20 for adults, $10 for children under 16 years old and families of two adults and two children are $50.
Tickets can be purchased by calling Erin Waldock on 9794 7192.
