SBL cancellation a blow for sport

In a blow for basketball across WA, the 2020 SBL season was officially cancelled on Thursday by league general manager Adam Bowler. Although most coaches and officials were less than convinced a season could be played under COVID-19 restrictions, a degree of hope remained while the matter remained open for discussion. “On behalf of the SBL Commission, we would like to thank the clubs and the SBL community for their understanding of this decision given the current circumstances,” Bowler said. “The viability of our clubs, along with the health and safety of our community is paramount. The current and future restrictions would not allow our clubs, players, and members safely operate and participate within the league. “The decision to cancel was not taken lightly. Although difficult, we feel it gives us the best chance to ensure we are able to compete in 2021.” Despite no SBL, plans are in place to salvage the 2020 WABL season, according to Basketball WA deputy chief executive Evan Stewart. “We have been working with the State Government on what stage two and three of the roadmap to recovery looks like so we can track it through,” he said. “At this stage, we are hoping to get a WABL competition up and running by the end of the July school holidays. “We believe we should be able to do that but we will be guided by government as we go.” The SBL is also committed to helping clubs recover due to the massive financial hit incurred with no senior games. “We are constantly working with them,” Stewart said. Printsync South West Slammers women’s coach Nathan Grover believes there was a degree of “inevitability” about the decision. “It was pretty much inevitable and just a matter of time really,” he said. “It’s a shame and I hope for everyone’s benefit we can see some basketball this year.” Men’s coach Mark Worthington is hopeful a WABL season can be retained for the future of basketball in our region and is keen for his team to make use of the time prior to the 2021 season. “WABL is important for our club as we have to look after our juniors,” he said. “We can use this time to either sit and dwell on things, or learn and grow. It will give us more time together as a team prior to 2021 and our players can continue to work on their skill sets.”