CHAMPIONSHIP-winning coach Rob Beveridge believes Wagga is now well placed to snare an NBL trial game, urging officials to make the most of the "booming" Australian basketball scene.
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Wagga hosted its first NRL game in 21 years in May, and W-League and A-League trial matches between Sydney FC and Newcastle Jets are also on the agenda.
Beveridge, who exited Illawarra Hawks in February after four seasons, held a coaching clinic at the new $9.2 indoor facility at Equex Centre on Wednesday and has no doubt it could host an NBL pre-season clash.
The Hawks in particular have proven their willingness to take games to regional venues, including a trial clash against new franchise South East Melbourne Phoenix in Albury this September.
"After seeing this facility that (pre-season game in Wagga) is a possibility," he said.
"(Wagga Basketball's current home) Bolton Park is a bit worn but a facility like this, you could bring an NBL team in.
"It would be an ideal place because the regional areas are very big in basketball, and part of the NBL's blueprint is they want to get into those areas.
"We (Australia) have got 13 players in the NBA, a lot of role models and basketball is booming.
"We need more facilities, for Wagga council to build something like this gives opportunities for kids to develop."
Beveridge coached in the NBL for 11 years and said the quality of the league is the best he's seen.
He pointed to the Hawks' signing of high school prodigy and projected NBA first round draft pick LaMelo Ball as a sign of the growing respect for the league.
Ball's father, LaVar, is one of the game's most outspoken and controversial figures, with Beveridge likening his son's potential impact to a reality show.
But he warned not to expect too much from the 17-year-old guard too soon.
"The Ball family is one of the most famous basketball families in the world, it's like the Kardashians and the circus could be coming to town," he said.
"It puts basketball on the map and he's an exceptional talent, but I'm a little bit cautious because he's 17 and he'll be coming up against men in a tough league.
"But from what I've seen he's going to be a first round draft pick and it's super exciting for basketball and in particular Illawarra.
"The standard of basketball is as good as it's ever been. Now that's happening the best players in the USA, rather than come to college are making the decision to come to Australia."
Beveridge has just returned from leading Australia's men to bronze at the World University Games in Italy, and said he's still deciding on his coaching future.
"I only got back two days from the University Games so now I'm looking at some international jobs," he said.
"But I also love this type of work, working with grass roots kids and getting out to the communities.
"If I don't end up overseas coaching, I'll probably spend more time in the country regions developing basketball."
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