Minister for Sport Mark Arbib today welcomed the start of the 2011/12 NBL and WNBL seasons.

Senator Arbib said this was one of the most anticipated basketball seasons in recent years with the first games starting tonight.

“I’m sure all fans of Australian basketball will be excited to see the debut of Indigenous Australian NBA player Patty Mills who is playing with the Tigers during the NBA lock-out.

“It is fantastic to see Patty back in Australia from Portland and taking advantage of the lock-out to show his skills to the Australian basketball community.

“Patty is another example of a young Indigenous Australian who has worked hard and as one of Australia’s best basketballers is now a leader in the Indigenous community.

“He was vital to the Boomers recent victory in the FIBA Oceania Championship where they, along with the Opals, qualified for the 2012 London Olympics.”

Senator Arbib said it was also great to see one of Australia’s best female basketballers, Belinda Snell, returning to the WNBL for this season as part of preparations for the 2012 London Olympics.

“Belinda is a dual Olympic silver medallist and returns to the WNBL after a great career in the EuroLeague and the WNBA,” Senator Arbib said.

“I’m sure having a player of her calibre back in the WNBL will only inspire other players to give their best.”

Senator Arbib said Basketball Australia currently had more than 240,000 participants in club basketball and with our teams heading to London for the Olympics and Paralympics, the figures will only grow.

“In 2010/11 the Australian Government provided more than $7 million to Australian Basketball to support our high performance basketballers and grass-roots programs,” Senator Arbib said.

“In addition, the Government recently announced $135,000 in Green and Gold funding to assist in the lead up to London.”