NBL set to tip off again ... this weekend

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

The on-again, off-again Flow/National Basketball League (NBL) is set to tip off this weekend.

The league, which was slated to start last Sunday, one week after Flow, Burger King and Malta signed on as main sponsors, was postponed due to differences between the Jamaica Basketball Association (JaBA) and one of its affiliates, the Southern Conference Basketball Association (SCBA).

However, after a lengthy meeting between both parties at the offices of the Social Development Commission last Sunday, it was agreed that the competition will get under way this weekend, much to the relief of all parties involved.

"All of the relevant issues were addressed. None of them were monumental issues so we all had a respectful dialogue and in the end it was decided that the Flow/NBL package, which outlines the season and various details, is to be provided by Pete Matthews, chairman of the NBL organising committee, some time this week," said JaBA president, Ajani Williams.

He added: "From our knowledge all the teams from the Southern Conference are raring to go and all the teams from the other conferences are ready to get started, as in general they are happy with the package and platform that we are offering them."

The differences, which led to the impasse between JaBA and SCBA, the most powerful basketball association in the country, stemmed from reported lack of transparency on the part of JaBA regarding the signing of sponsorship deals dating back to last season.

However, it is understood that during the meeting the relevant information sought was provided and according SCBA president, Calvin Martin, they are somewhat satisfied.

"We are not pleased with everything, but it is a start," said Martin.

"The president now appears that he wants to have dialogue with us and as such we are ready to move forward."

The SCBA comprises teams such as NBL defending champions Tivoli Gardens All Stars, Urban Knights, Majesty Gardens, St George's Slayers and Port Royal Bulls.

"Everybody wants to play basketball and we are raring to give Flow, Burger King and Malta the full benefit from their sponsorship," he added.