Basketball News:Belfast aims for BBL franchise
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The British Basketball League could have a franchise in Belfast by the year 2012, Ireland’s most-capped international player has said.
Gareth Maguire made the statement at the launch of the Belfast Basketball Classic, a four-team tournament featuring the University of Pittsburgh Panthers, Australian NBL team the Melbourne Tigers, as well as the national sides of England and Scotland.
Maguire told the BBC: “This tournament is a stepping stone towards the [BBL] franchise.
“It is proof we can run events like these. Wouldn’t it be a fantastic story to launch this team at the Olympics in September 2012? That is what our aim is.”
Mark Marais, speaking on behalf of tournament organisers USNI, added: “It will be similar to the [Elite League ice hockey's] Belfast Giants, but a basketball team playing in the British League.
“The plans are well down the line, it is going to happen.
“It is still two years away so nothing is signed on the dotted line. I have spent a lot of time in the States talking to potential investors and there is a lot of interest.”
The tournament is scheduled for Belfast’s Odyssey Arena on August 6 and 7.
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