Williams promises vibrant NBL season

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

President of the Jamaica Basketball Association (JBA), Ajani Williams, said his administration will be making an announcement on Monday on the much-anticipated start of 2010-11 National Basketball League (NBL) season.

Williams told The Gleaner that his association has signed off with two of its main sponsors and is very close to completing a deal with a third sponsor.

"We have reached an agreement in principle with two of last year's sponsors and we are now waiting to sign off with our third new sponsor," said Williams.

The NBL which was scheduled to begin in August, has been postponed on a number of occasions by the JBA.

Everything in place

However, Williams added that everything has now been put in place to have a very competitive and attractive league.

"By this weekend, we should have all our facts and figures in and so by next Monday will be able to give an official start date of this year's competition," said Williams.

"This will be a much-improved and bigger NBL product for many more Jamaicans to see and to enjoy at various locations in Kingston and around the island," Williams said.

"They will also be able to enjoy the league in the comfort of their homes or even while driving in their cars.

Williams, who is serving his first term as head of the JBA, added that the league is expected to run for five months this season with each team playing a lot more games than last season

"From where I sit, the NBL's future is bright and we are excited about this year's league because the brand is going to be very visible around the island for everyone to see," said Williams.

Tivoli Gardens are the NBL defending champions.