Basketball On The Internet.

THE NBL may be undergoing a facelift and a rebrand, but just as the NBA didn’t change its name when its reputation was tarnished in the early-to-mid 70s, neither will Australia’s premier league.

It won’t be the “Aussieleague” or any other fanciful re-imagining and no, it still isn’t the A-NBL, as fans across the Tasman are continually told it is by what clearly must be an easily confused Kiwi media.

“We are definitely undergoing a rebrand to present a fresh face to the public,” NBL executive director Larry Kestelman said.

So while there is likely to be a clear improvement on the logo the NBL first launched with in 1979 as the National Invitation Basketball League – that’s it in its infinite glory below – the league’s name won’t be changing.

Kestelman didn’t rule that out though, but specified it might be an option in the longer term when the league has stabilised and become interactive overseas.

Oceania options then come into calculations. But let’s be honest. That’s a fair way off yet.

There's Brisbane on the drawing board, a second Melbourne team, then Wellington, Tasmania and Canberra.

That's a lot of balls bouncing before a new name raises its head. 

Even Basketball Australia, when it managed the NBL before the infamous “demerger” of two years ago, looked long and hard at new name options.

In the end though, the "NBL" had the greatest cache and brand recognition.

TOWNSVILLE will host the Preseason Blitz from September 24-27, marking the first time the tournament titleholder has been granted homecourt advantage for its title defence.

It is a fantastic decision by the NBL, officially revealed today but suspected for months since the Crocodiles started strongly lobbying for it.

Adelaide, with its new management connected to its venue, the Titanium Security Arena, also was believed to be interested but the Loggins-Bruton Cup holders - who have battled their way back from off-season voluntary administration, got the nod. 

PRESEASON PRIZE: The Loggins-Bruton Cup

The event previously has been staged in places such as Cairns, Coffs Harbour, Darwin, Dandenong, Sydney and Brisbane.

“With the new direction of the NBL, we are thrilled to award the tournament to Townsville. It will be fantastic promotion for their club and the league will be using the popular tourist destination to raise the bar of the NBL Blitz,” Kestelman said.

“The main fixtures will be held at one of Queensland’s leading venues, the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre, while all players and staff will stay at the world-class Jupiters Hotel and Casino, seeing standards improving across the board and setting up a brilliant launching pad for the season.”

Crocodiles Chairman Andrew Gisinger said his city was grateful for the opportunity to stage the annual event.

“This preseason tournament will help with the revitalisation of the Crocodiles and the NBL in the Townsville region and will showcase the club’s commitment to the community and dedication to the promotion of our region,” he said.

All eight teams will converge on Townsville for the Blitz, each team playing three regulation games and the tournament additionally providing for basketball clinics, charity appearances and community events.

The Blitz is supported by Townsville City Council, Jupiters Hotel and Casino, Townsville Basketball and the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre.

It is a great coup for Townsville, given its off-season VA woes and puts a positive spotlight back on NBL in that city.

Similarly Wollongong's off-season VA also has almost been forgotten, given the outstanding recruiting the rebranded Illawarra Hawks have been doing.