Two of the Otago Nuggets'
leading figures were distraught to learn the franchise would
not be part of the 2009 National Basketball league.
Carl Dickel and Leonard King both live in Australian these
days but the Nuggets remain close to their hearts.
Dickel coached the Nuggets from 1994-97 and led the team to
two top four finishes. He described it "as the worst possible
news".
"It is a really sad day for sport and the province," he said.
Without the Nuggets, Dickel was concerned for the profile and
future of the sport in Dunedin.
"What will there to be to aspire to now? If you've got a top
quality team playing at a good level then you are more likely
to get young people to come along and be inspired. If you
don't have that then it does take away from your sport.
"From a marketing point of view, not to have a top-level team
playing in the province is a disaster and a real shame.
"I'm really sad about it, I honestly am."
King had heard the Nuggets could drop out but had hoped for
the best. He greeted the news with a long sigh.
"The Nuggets were such a large part of my life for a long
time."
King played for the Nuggets from 1991-98 and again in 2004.
He is widely regarded as the best player in the history of
the franchise.
"I had heard about it but it is really disappointing.
"My initial thought is I don't think the red flag was waved
early enough. I don't know the full story, but you would
expect the people of Otago to rally and make sure a team
would happen."
King believed BBO had invested in the growth of the sport but
questioned whether money had been wasted bringing personnel
from outside of the region who were not committed for the
long haul.
As for the future, King was optimistic.
"I would like to think that the game at the grassroots level
will continue to be strong and continue to grow.
"Obviously it would be great to have the showcase of the
Nuggets, but they're not there.
So now they need to do the next best thing and invite top
coaches into the region to help coach development.
"They need to invite top New Zealand players to keep the
enthusiasm high."
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