NBL locks in November tip-off for Illawarra Hawks' upcoming season

It will see the NBL will occupy its customary summer slot, with commissioner Jeremy Loeliger confirming on Friday that the season will tip-off on November 18, just over a month later than the traditional October start, as COVID continues to wreak havoc with the country's major sporting competitions.

Illawarra were forced to relocate to Albury on Christmas Eve last year ahead of a re-scheduled January season tip-off as a result of the Northern Beaches outbreak in Sydney.

Brian Goorjian's team subsequently shifted to Far North Queensland and managed a 4-0 start. The club was ultimately able to host its full quota of home games with a back-ended schedule.

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They could be facing a similar prospect for the upcoming season after NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Friday announced a lockdown extension for Greater Sydney until the end of September.

With most indications pointing to a gradual easing of restrictions as vaccination numbers climb, the Hawks ability to host games in front of crowds in November remains uncertain.

The league showed an incredible adaptability to get last season completed through the first wave of coronavirus that affected all states at different times.

Loeliger is confident lessons learned can ensure a season can get underway without compromising the health and safety of players, coaches and fans.

"Based on expert advice and based on our own experiences from last season, delaying a month gives us more flexibility and most importantly, it provides fans a much better chance of attending more games in Australia and New Zealand as the number of people vaccinated against COVID increases towards the end of the year," he said.

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"We know our fans have been eagerly awaiting this announcement and we hope they continue to get right behind the players and clubs as the NBL continues to break new ground and takes things to the next level."

Having recently announced a landmark television deal, Loeliger is confident the pandemic won't halt the NBL's momentum.

"It is an exciting day for the league and an extremely exciting time for basketball in general," Loeliger said.

"Having a start date confirmed for November provides clarity for our clubs, players, coaches, staff, partners, broadcasters and fans, as we all prepare for what promises to be another amazing season."

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