STATEMENT BY NBL OWNER AND EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN LARRY KESTELMAN:
I want to say how sad we are for what is happening all around the world and how it is affecting so many people in so many different ways. Our sport is very important to us and our fans, but we have a clear perspective on where we sit in the pecking order of priorities right now.
I would like to congratulate all the teams that participated in what has been an extraordinary season and in particular the two grand finalists. The Sydney Kings, who finished on top of the ladder in the regular season, and Perth Wildcats who finished a close second and were leading the Grand Final series 2-1.
I’m also extremely proud of all the owners of the teams of their conduct throughout this season, in particular Paul Smith from the Sydney Kings and the ownership group and board of the Perth Wildcats represented by Mike Board.
I am not surprised they were the two teams in the Hungry Jack’s NBL Grand Final presented by MG as the history and culture of Wildcats is known worldwide and what Paul has been able to achieve in Sydney in his first year as a full owner is nothing short of extraordinary.
I would like to thank both of them as well as all the players, officials, staff and our fans who have been such a big part of this incredible season for the NBL. A season in which we have smashed all records including our biggest ever attendances.
We often talk about being a family sport and in the NBL we are one big family. Our thoughts are with everyone in our sport – and the wider community – and I’m extremely proud of the way we have all managed very challenging circumstances.
When the coronavirus threat escalated about a week ago, we made a decision to immediately close the doors to the general public for the remainder of the finals’ series. This was done to protect the health and wellbeing of everyone concerned and minimise risk on the advice of the government and medical experts.
The NBL’s intention has always been to provide advice, guidance and work through a consultative process with the two teams involved as circumstances were, and still are, far from normal.
This was done with a very clear understanding that of course the final decision will always rest with the NBL and the rules governing the league.
In these trying times it is more important than ever to provide strong and clear leadership whilst being sympathetic and understanding to the challenges of this extraordinary situation facing us all.
On Tuesday we were informed by the Kings that they would not proceed with the rest of the series due to what they felt were increased risks for players and staff, as well as some of the overseas players and coaching staff wishing to return home to their loved ones.
We at the NBL totally respect their point of view, and the decision that was made demonstrates their commitment to their playing group and the rest of the organisation.
On a personal level I can understand how difficult a decision that was and I commend Paul Smith and his team for their commitment to the players’ welfare and the attitude he has shown throughout this time.
At the end of a 135 game season, including six semi-final games and three grand final games and with Perth leading the series 2-1, we were left with having to make a decision about whether we award a championship after what has been one of the biggest and best ever seasons for the Hungry Jack’s NBL with record crowds and incredible basketball.
STATEMENT BY NBL COMMISSIONER JEREMY LOELIGER:
We have taken extensive advice on this matter from the NBL Board of Directors, members of our Advisory Board, FIBA and our external legal advisers K&L Gates and I thank all of them for the benefit of their insight and perspective.
Having considered all of that advice, we have concluded that there is only one outcome that is most appropriate in the circumstances of the League having made the decision to cancel games 4 and 5 of the Finals Series.
We feel that the rules set out in the NBL Operations Manual are clear in this regard.
In this instance, games 4 and 5 were cancelled by the League due to unforeseen circumstances pursuant to Rule 34 of the NBL Operations Manual.
Consequently, the Champions of the Hungry Jack’s 2019/20 NBL Season are the Perth Wildcats.
We can now also announce the winner of the Larry Sengstock Medal for our Grand Final MVP which is determined in accordance with the votes of our expert judging panel based on their votes for Games 1 to 3 of the Finals Series.
The Larry Sengstock Medal for the Grand Final MVP is awarded to Bryce Cotton.
I’d like to offer my congratulations to both our Champions, the Perth Wildcats, and our runners up the Sydney Kings and our Finals MVP Bryce Cotton.
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