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JOSH CHILDRESS: I want to leave my mark on the NBL

2nd December, 2015
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Josh Childress will be looking to end a disappointing season on a high note. (Image: supplied)
Expert
2nd December, 2015
16
1432 Reads

I have been lucky enough to play basketball around the world in the NBA and the Euroleague, but now my goal is making a mark on the NBL.

I could not be more thankful that I was given the opportunity to move to Sydney and play for the Kings. The team, the city and the fans all make living and playing here an amazing experience.

A question I’m often asked is where my favourite place to play has been. It’s a pretty tough ask to compare each league, because they are all unique in their own right.

Take playing in the NBA for example; it’s the pinnacle of professional basketball. You’re competing every night against some of the best players in the world and there is an incredible amount of talent and athleticism.

Playing in the Europe showed me that there were really talented players around the globe, and they have some of the most passionate fans I have ever seen. I have very fond memories of hearing 20,000 people chanting my team’s song!

Playing in the NBL has been exciting. In fact, it’s been the most fun I’ve had playing basketball in a long time.

The opportunity to play and enjoy myself on the court was incredibly appealing. I spent the last few years on the fringes, wondering if I’d play from each game to the next. As a competitor, it was very difficult for me and it became stressful. So having the ability to come to Australia and enjoy playing ball again was a major positive for me and I’ve been very thankful for the opportunity.

Coming to the Sydney Kings was great because I got the opportunity to play big minutes, and have security in my role within the team. I had the confidence of the coach and the organisation to play my game and redevelop my passion. It was nice to know that individuals within the organisation supported me and wanted to see me do well.

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I had a few other offers on the table in other countries, but I found comfort in the potential opportunities here in Australia both on and off the court. I also enjoy the lifestyle, as it is similar to that of Southern California.

Now with a revamped league, things only appear to be getting better, and the foundation is being set for the league to grow larger than it has ever been.

Personally, I’m looking forward to being a part of building something special here in Sydney, helped by the incredible talent that has arrived in the past two seasons.

The Kings have brought back former NBL MVP candidate Julian Khazzouh, Boston Celtics draft pick Marcus Thornton and veteran guard Steven Markovic. It’s an exciting time at the club.

Around the league, Melbourne United, in particular, have struck me as recruiting a talented mix of players, including my former NBA (Phoenix Suns) teammate Hakim Warrick. I could go on with the teams throughout the league, as they have all done a great job of recruiting, and are doing their bit to ensure the league is as competitive as ever.

But perhaps what’s been most exciting is that the league secured a television partnership to get every game on screens across Australia.

In such a competitive sporting landscape, the significance of this step can not be undervalued. It is a crucial step in ensuring we can see basketball return as a major force in Australian sport.

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All around, there has been an increased awareness of the league. This is partly due to the newly inked TV deal that the NBL has done with Fox Sports and partly due to increased marketing efforts around the country. More and more fans on the street engage with you as you walk by, asking if you’re the guy they saw on TV or in the news.

The best thing is it gives the league exposure to those who are not necessarily basketball fans. The TV deal will help get basketball to where it needs to be in Australia.

While media will always look for an angle, the amount of coverage helps. I didn’t see a third of this coverage last season. It’s all about entertainment, and pushing theleagueinto more news stories, and into more and more prominent positions online and in the paper. What supports the NBL more is fans getting to the games to support their team.

This new visibility helps players show what we can do on the court, as well as helping us develop a personal brand off the court. Brand building can be an extremely important element to a sporting career.

You see many high-level athletes like LeBron James or Stephen Curry generating major dollars through endorsements due to companies wanting to be associated with their brand. Athletes have a finite window in which they can compete at a high level. A great career for most may last 7-10 years and creating a platform to provide commercial sustainability when retirement hits should be a goal for all athletes. Michael Jordan has become the first billionaire athlete because of the strength of his brand.

I have begun that process through utilising the networks of the Sydney Kings as well as NBL to approach media outlets for coverage. This has helped lead to various business interests including merchandise sales, promotions, basketball camps and a few other projects here in the Australian market.

This is an exhilarating time for the NBL and I believe that the league will only attract more future and former NBA-calibre players.

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It’s going to be an entertaining year for basketball in Australia and an even more exciting future. Personally, I can’t wait.

Oh, and go Kings!

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