The "Save the Nugs" campaign is gaining momentum, with a family pledging $5000 to the cause over the weekend.
The family wished to remain anonymous but Otago Nuggets assistant coach Gavin Briggs said the large donation was an indication of the level of community support for the beleaguered franchise.
"Perhaps we didn't realise how much support there is out there for the Nuggets and actually trying to keep them in the community and on the court," he said.
"As a result of that [donation] we have set up an email address where people can contact us [savethenugs@kol.co.nz].
"We've been involved for five days now, and this is the sort of stuff I personally believe could have been explored two or three months ago."
Briggs, who has emerged as the frontman for the Save the Nugs group, got involved in the campaign after Basketball Otago (BBO) announced last week it would not be entering a team in the 2009 National Basketball League.
It cited a lack of resources but backed down on its decision after an impassioned debate and agreed to consider alternative models for the franchise.
Briggs met former Nuggets general manager Warrick Diack and former manager Shane Atherton to discuss how to raise the additional $150,000 the group believes it will need to support the Nuggets.
BBO has set aside $100,000 for the Nuggets to get on court.
"We'll be looking at approaching anyone within the community. Not just the businesses but the mums and dads involved in basketball," Briggs said.
However, he acknowledged the group was fighting a losing battle with the clock.
BBO had until the end of last month to pay its first instalment of the NBL fee.
But with that deadline having passed, Briggs is uncertain whether the group will be able to get an extension from the newly formed NBL board.
His attempts to contact the board's chairman were unsuccessful last night.
"In all honesty I think we'll know where we are going by the end of the week.
If it is going to happen or if it's not going to happen."
• The under-17 girls team that won the nationals this season was not the first team from the province to win a national title in a decade, as reported.
The Otago under-16 girls team won the nationals in 2002.
Incorrect information was supplied by Basketball Otago.
