LeVaughn Flynn, Staff Reporter
Andrew Whilby (left), captain of KFC National Basketball League (NBL) champions, Urban Knights, hands over the Patrick Ewing trophy to league committee chairman Adolph Brown during the launch of the NBL on Thursday night at Alhambra Inn. - Photo by LeVaughn Flynn
Though it isn't new, the KFC National Basketball League's (NBL) theme - 'Shoot Hoops, Not Guns' - seems more appropriate now than ever.
With an increase in criminal activity by youths 16-24 years old and a morbid figure of at least 16 persons murdered in the last six days, the NBL's slogan could do a world of good if practised.
Positive role
"The Jamaica Basketball Association (JABA) and our sponsors want to continue to play a role in bringing about a positive change within our communities," said JABA president, Marland Nattie, on Thursday night at Alhambra Inn during the launch of the 2008 NBL.
"As you are all aware, gun violence has been rising within all of our com-munities ... basketball has been contributing to the development of youngsters by providing scholarships and a positive option from crime."
Approximately 80 youths have received basketball scholarships over the past seven years through the efforts of the JABA and the Jamaica Basket-ball Development Inc., a not-for-profit organisation based in the United States of America that was formed by past national players living in that country. Basketball has also been the fastest growing sport in Jamaica over the past decade.
Struggle for sponsorship
Yet, Nattie admitted on Thursday that the association struggled to find sufficient sponsorship for the new season which begins tomorrow. The current sponsorship deal by KFC is valued at $3 million for the season, with $700,000 going to the 12 competing teams.
"We are still seeking associate sponsors to cover the costs for individual awards and the mid-season final," Nattie pointed out.
The NBL sponsorship has seen a $4 million fall-off coming from a high of $7 million per year in 2004 when the Division One league was re-branded as the NBL. The result is a decrease in prize money with $150,000 going to the winner and $100,000 for the runner-up.
New-look teams
Eleven of the 12 clubs were represented at Thursday's launch, including promoted teams Port Royal Bulls and Catherine Hall All-Stars.
The new-look Tivoli Wizards, a combination of west-Kingston-based teams Tivoli All-Stars and Denham Town Wizards, had the most colourful uniform with the primary colours of the two clubs fused into one, illustrating their merger. All-island champs, Jamaica Defence Force, benefited from the alliance of the teams, filling the vacant spot.
Tomorrow's opening game between the promoted teams will be played at the Edgewater Sports Complex as the association carries out minor upgrades to the courts at the National Stadium.
