Playing the name game
THE names of several prominent WA basketball figures have been earmarked for recognition at the State Government’s new State Basketball Centre at AK Reserve in Mt Claremont.
VenuesWest chief executive David Etherton said they would consider naming the venue and interior areas after those that had made a long-term contribution to the sport, such as former Wildcats championship winning captain and four-time Olympian Andrew Vlahov, Wildcats inaugural captain Mike Ellis, who led the team for 11 seasons, or former NBA star and Chicago Bulls player Luc Longley.
According to Mr Etherton, the centre was on track for completion in October but is unlikely to open until December 2009 or January 2010 after details are finalised. The venue, which will be home to the Perth Wildcats, Perth Lynx and Basketball WA, would “hopefully” open late this year.
Mr Etherton said VenuesWest was consulting Basketball WA and the Perth Wildcats regarding a name for the stadium and its interior areas. He did not rule out selling the naming rights under the right circumstances.
“There is myriad people and families, such as the Ellis and Longley families, who have done a lot for basketball in WA over the past 50 years,” he said.
The centre will incorporate two showcourts with seating for 2000 spectators and six training courts with space for 600. The training courts will have markings for netball, badminton, senior and junior basketball, and volleyball.
Perth Wildcats point guard Brad Robbins said upgrading to a newer facility from the ageing Perry Lakes courts would allow the club to move forward.
The team was excited about moving its training base to the new premises – even if it would mean a mid-season switch.
“We have a new coach, new players and soon a new gym – training at the new facility will definitely contribute to our success,” said Robbins.
Robbins said the venue should be named after someone who had made a long-term contribution to the sport. “The first names that come to mind are Andrew Vlahov or Ricky Grace,” he said.
However, Mr Etherton discounted Grace, Perth Wildcats’ games record holder and all-time leading scorer, suggesting it would be appropriate to name the centre after a locally born and bred basketballer.
Article from Western Suburbs Weekly
Photo by Will Russell
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