I've got to get something off my chest. Last night the Boomers defeated a very talented NZ team, but as a spectacle it was atrocious.
The NBL in Melbourne does such a great job, I assumed that an International clash of this importance would have been even better, but frankly, it stank.
The announcer for the game was neither of the great entertainers from the Melbourne NBL clubs, The Rattler from the Tigers or Glenn Manton from the Dragons. Both would have been perfect to help get the crowd into the game. Snory Mc SnoozeFest, (apparently a Dandenong announcer?) was not the right choice. Little things make a huge difference, and this whole spectacle wreaked of unprofessionalism. Where was the music, where were the cheerleaders, where were the sound effects after a missed free throw or turnover... Who doesn't love a "Bum-Bow" - (or however it's spelt), or a "Doh!"... These are little things that lighten the mood and get the crowd involved. Even the halftime and timeout games showed the imagination of children.
The stadium was half full, and it felt like it. No Mexican Wave, one half hearted Aussie Aussie Aussie. Terrible. Help was needed.
I've been to some wonderful Boomers games before, (Hell, I travelled to Japan last year just to go to the Games and support) the atmosphere has been electric. Not so last night, and considering the importance of the outcome it should have been.
Unfortunately, all of the parents in the crowd last night, that were contemplating making this a night out for the family over the coming NBL season, would surely be dreading exhibitions like this. All of the people I spoke with there were bored. It was embarrassing. The people I know from Basketball Australia circles were looking at each other and saying things like, "this just doesn't seem right."
The game didn't end up being close, but considering the lack of support from the organisers, they were lucky. On a Monday night, with half of your crowd school aged children, it didn't surprise me that it was so quiet and it could have been worse. I sat right next to Shane Heal, commenting for fox sports or NZ Sports of something, and he looked bored out of his brain. Certainly nothing like his usual self. Something else was needed and Basketball Australia let Melbourne and basketball in this country down. BIG TIME.
Here's hoping they turn things around for games two and three, but they blew it for us in Melbourne. I can't wait for the NBL to start so I can drag my friends back again and prove that not all basketball in this country is this draining.
Thanks for your time
Ryan
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