IT is just over a month until the National Basketball League action kicks off for the 2023/24 season, and another batch of pre-season games have been announced.
It has been three months since the last dose of NBL basketball, with the Sydney Kings winning the title in the most recent outing for the competition.
However, that all changes this Thursday, when the Brisbane Bullets take on the California Baptist Lancers in an exhibition game at UniSC Arena in Sippy Downs.
The American-based Lancers have hosted a number of Aussie talents, including the Armstrong brothers in Taran and Tre for the past few years, so there is a massive connection between the school and the land down under.
It will give the Bullets an opportunity to get some runs on the board ahead of next month’s start date, while the Lancers will get a taste of basketball talent abroad as they gear up for their upcoming collegiate campaign.
The visitors will then take on Melbourne United and the SEM Phoenix on Saturday and Sunday respectively, rounding out their three-game trip to Australia and giving both Melbourne-based sides the chance to hit the court.
There are a couple of NBL-exclusive clashes thrown in the mix as well, with the Adelaide 36ers taking on the Phoenix on September 1, before the latter lock horns with their cross-town rivals in United eight days later down in Casey.
The NBL action will be heading abroad when the Perth Wildcats head over to the United States, facing off against the G-League Ignite in Las Vegas.
Ignite have been one of the fastest growing teams in basketball over the past few years, hosting some of the best and brightest NBA prospects in the world. Last year, eventual number-three pick Scoot Henderson suited up for the team and helped boost his stock during that time.
The youth-focussed team also held the talents of Mojave King last season, helping the Aussie find a spot on an NBA team with plenty of court time, so the Wildcats will no doubt be facing some quality talent in this clash.
With the NBL1 on the rise, an All-Star team of the league’s best men’s players will take on the Wildcats late in August, with two games set to take place over the span of a weekend in Western Australia. A yearly tradition, the matches showcase the talent present in the NBL1, while giving the best players the chance to take it up to one of the best sides in the NBL.
Announced pre-season games
Brisbane Bullets v Cal Baptist Lancers
Thursday, August 10 – 6.30pm AEST
UniSC Arena, Sippy Downs
Melbourne United v Cal Baptist Lancer
Saturday, August 12 – 7.30pm AEST
Diamond Valley Sports & Fitness Centre, Greensborough
South East Melbourne Phoenix v Cal Baptist Lancers
Sunday, August 13 – 12pm AEST
State Basketball Centre, Wantirna South
Perth Wildcats vs NBL1 All Stars
Friday, August 25 – 9.30pm AEST (7.30pm local time)
Mike Barnett Sports Complex, Rockingham
Perth Wildcats vs NBL1 All Stars
Sunday, August 27 – 8pm AEST (6pm local time)
Warwick Stadium
Adelaide 36ers v South East Melbourne Phoenix
Friday, September 1 – 7.30pm AEST (7pm local time)
Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre
Perth Wildcats v G League Ignite
Wednesday, September 6 and Friday, September 8 (times TBC)
The Dollar Loan Center, Las Vegas
Melbourne United v South East Melbourne Phoenix
Saturday, September 9 – 7pm AEST
Casey Basketball Stadium
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