Broomfield: NBL to return next year

Jamaica Basketball Association (JABA) president, Dr Mark Broomfield, expects the National Basketball League (NBL) could return next year, after a four-year absence.

Speaking to The Gleaner at the recent Jamrockers Classic final, Broomfield said local basketball is on the rise once again and his two-year-old administration could top things off with the return of the nation's premier basketball competition to the sports calendar in 2017.

"We have to wait until January to look at the (National Basketball) league. Companies have their budgets already but we know that early next year we will start the league," he said. "We will meet with the teams early next year and have discussions as to how we go forward," he added.

Broomfield hailed the recent Jamrockers Classic and said it is just a part of the rebuilding of local basketball.

"To build back basketball we must understand that we have to lay some foundation stones, building blocks. One is to rebuild the fan base, another is re-engage the sponsors and increase the overall fan base.

"So we are grateful for the sponsors that came on board for this (Jamrockers) tournament. We may not have got a lot in terms of cash but in terms of value it has no price," he said.

He now wants the event to be held annually.

"It's a great event and this should take us straight into the NBL. I am looking forward to the sponsors who will come on board and see what they can do for basketball," he said.

"We (JABA) have not achieved all the things we want, there are weaknesses and challenges, but together we can rise. If we can bring all the support together and put in the strength of every member, the sport can become great. We are moving together despite the challenges, we are in the trenches but we are rising together."