The home stretch of my NBL tour took me to Perth and Auckland for Round 17 and 18. These two franchises have shared the NBL trophy the entire decade so far at 4 apiece. I was especially looking forward to Perth as they're widely known for having the most raucous home court in the league.
On my maiden away game in Adelaide, I'd met Annie. She was the matriarch of a die-hard family of Wildcats' fans. I told her I'd be heading to Perth and hoped to reconnect with them for an insider's view of the Red Army.
Perth knows how to put on a show. I've been to a dozen NBA arenas and to games all around the world. I'd rate Perth number one among all my game day experiences. The very blue Perth Arena was awash in red. In the playoffs, it's tradition for teams to outfit spectators with freebie shirts so they're coordinated for the home team and TV audience to feed off. In Perth, it seemed everyone was already decked in a red and white jersey, sporting a members' lanyard.
I met with Annie and the family before the game. She insisted I grab seats early to catch Wilbur the Wildcat's pre-show entertainment. He rappelled from the rafters to unveil a "Welcome to the Jungle" sign.
It had the feel of a playoff game. Sworn enemies the 36ers were in town, the final round of the "Cattalini Cup". The vibe in the city on game day was palpable, red jerseys snaking through the main streets. The game lived up to the hype in spite of Perth's smothering 21 point win. Let's just say, Perth is a hostile environment for the opposing team. Especially if you happen to be Adelaide.
My New Zealand leg was unconventional in that I had a running mate in my close friend Sam. Apart from my maiden NBA trip in 2015, all my hoops adventures have been solo. Having parallel interests in comedy and punk rock would help, I'd also traveled with him previously in Melbourne where I adopted his vegan diet. I did the same during my NBA trip to the Pacific and was looking forward to going plant-based again for Auckland. My first time on the North island.
I like gauging the penetration of hoops culture when I travel. The local Footlocker repped the game with a sprawling mural of Auckland, admittedly it only featured NBA talent. Despite the Breakers being perennial contenders, the locals acknowledged that basketball had an uphill climb uprooting the National pastimes of Rugby Union and League.
Whilst I escaped Queensland with two underdog victories, the capable Breakers were set to face championship favourites Melbourne United. My home game winning streak put to an end with the visitors trouncing New Zealand by 18. The loss did sting but the kids excitedly going through the bleachers to scoop up Breakers' balloon sticks cheered me up.
I was lucky to enjoy plenty of local culture with Perth's Opera in the Park and Fringe World festivities underway. I also got to watch the Super Bowl in town. In Auckland, we were able to catch some comedy and farewell a storied live music venue. A highlight of mine was K' Road (Karangahape Road), where we scored tasty vegan snacks and some solid vintage finds. It's also where got I dog tags made to commemorate this NBL oddysey.
I had a ball visiting the two most remote cities of the NBL. Having the good fortune to experience hoops all around the globe, I still cite this Perth Game Day as my most riveting fan experience. From the loyal fan base to the pre-game presentation, I highly recommend watching a Wildcats home game if you get the chance.
- Follow my daily snapshots on the @30HomeGames Instagram and hashtag #30HGoztour
- Check my tour notes from Wollongong and Adelaide
- Check my tour notes from Cairns and Brisbane
- Check my tour notes from Perth and Auckland
- Check my tour notes from my week in Melbourne
On my maiden away game in Adelaide, I'd met Annie. She was the matriarch of a die-hard family of Wildcats' fans. I told her I'd be heading to Perth and hoped to reconnect with them for an insider's view of the Red Army.
Perth knows how to put on a show. I've been to a dozen NBA arenas and to games all around the world. I'd rate Perth number one among all my game day experiences. The very blue Perth Arena was awash in red. In the playoffs, it's tradition for teams to outfit spectators with freebie shirts so they're coordinated for the home team and TV audience to feed off. In Perth, it seemed everyone was already decked in a red and white jersey, sporting a members' lanyard.
I met with Annie and the family before the game. She insisted I grab seats early to catch Wilbur the Wildcat's pre-show entertainment. He rappelled from the rafters to unveil a "Welcome to the Jungle" sign.
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| Game Day in Perth and Auckland |
My New Zealand leg was unconventional in that I had a running mate in my close friend Sam. Apart from my maiden NBA trip in 2015, all my hoops adventures have been solo. Having parallel interests in comedy and punk rock would help, I'd also traveled with him previously in Melbourne where I adopted his vegan diet. I did the same during my NBA trip to the Pacific and was looking forward to going plant-based again for Auckland. My first time on the North island.
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Foot Locker representing
Western Australia and the North Island
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Whilst I escaped Queensland with two underdog victories, the capable Breakers were set to face championship favourites Melbourne United. My home game winning streak put to an end with the visitors trouncing New Zealand by 18. The loss did sting but the kids excitedly going through the bleachers to scoop up Breakers' balloon sticks cheered me up.
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| #30HGoztour: Mission almost complete. |
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The 2018 Australian Tour (NBL and FIBA)
Round 17, Feb 2: PER def. ADL (111 - 90)
Round 18, Feb 11: MEL def. NZB (100 - 82)
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- Follow my daily snapshots on the @30HomeGames Instagram and hashtag #30HGoztour
- Check my tour notes from Wollongong and Adelaide
- Check my tour notes from Cairns and Brisbane
- Check my tour notes from Perth and Auckland
- Check my tour notes from my week in Melbourne
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