The Mitsubishi Motors NBL1 East Blitz is back!
Yes, you read that right. Following the huge success of the inaugural NBL1 East Blitz in Maitland earlier last year, Basketball NSW is happy to announce the return of the pre-season tournament slated for the 15th and 16th of March.
Taking place at Penrith Regional Valley Sports Centre, this will be the first chance for NBL1 East teams to be put through their paces and scope out the competition for the 2025 season while providing fans a chance to see their team’s brand new signings take the court in a fully timed and officiated game setting.
Will the Maitland Mustangs and Newcastle Falcons be the first teams to go back-to-back?
Will influx of NBL and WNBL talent in the league push a new team to the promised land?
With the tournament running all weekend, expect these questions to begin to be answered.
Basketball NSW, Senior Manager: Competitions & Leagues, Chanelle Bailey said she is excited for the Blitz’s return following a successful birth in Maitland in 2024.
“The success of last year’s Blitz in Maitland made it clear that we had to bring the event back. We’re excited to host this year’s tournament in Penrith this March,” said Bailey.
As in 2024, each team will play two games over the weekend, and we’re pleased to welcome even more teams to the competition this year. I’m looking forward to seeing new talent take the court and making an impact across the league.
Canberra, Hills and Bankstown have decided to join in on the fun as well as Norths Men’s team who will join the returning Associations from 2024.
With NBL veterans Jason Cadee and Todd Blanchfield making the move to NBL1 East this off-season, alongside newcomers Kasey Neubert, Mirko Djeric, and the towering Lino Manhom, fans will be eager to see if any of them take the court in this pre-season tournament.
The same anticipation applies to returning stars Nicole Munger, Biwali Bayles, Mason Bragg and Carla Pitman.
Players won’t be the only people getting their first taste of in-game action for the year, with Technical Officials also getting a chance to test their whistles for NBL1 East 2025.
Basketball NSW Head of Technical Officials, Steve Clark, says that the Blitz is just as important for officials as it is for the players.
“The NBL1 East Blitz presents a fantastic opportunity for our referees to kickstart their season, hone their skills, and welcome fresh faces into the world of NBL1 Basketball,” said Clark.
“It’s an invaluable platform for both seasoned referees and newcomers to gain experience and thrive in a competitive and supportive environment.”
With the recent announcement of Wilson’s partnership with BNSW, this will be the first chance for the players to become accustomed with the new ball.
The canteen and food trucks will be pumping, while players will be available to interact with the fans and snap a pic.
This is shaping up to be a weekend you don’t want to miss!
Doors open at 10:30am, with the first game to tip-off at 11:00 am on Saturday 15th, while doors will open at 8:30am on Sunday 16th.
Tickets to be bought at the door upon arrival.
Hope to see you there!
For members of the media interested in attending the event, please reach out to Caleb Fogarty via email at [email protected] to arrange access and obtain further details.