THE Newcastle Hunters' Waratah League double-header against Canberra at Newcastle Basketball Stadium tomorrow night has been cancelled.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Basketball ACT informed Basketball NSW yesterday that Canberra's men's and women's teams, the Gunners and the Nationals, have withdrawn from Waratah League, effective immediately.
It is understood both games will be recorded as Newcastle victories by forfeit, but Basketball NSW officials were still considering their options late yesterday.
Hunters women's coach Martin McLean, who is also the basketball manager at Newcastle Basketball, was disappointed when he became aware of Canberra's decision yesterday but understood their predicament.
"It's disappointing because you put all the work in at training to prepare to play a game each weekend. You want to play games, that's where you get to compete and where you get better, and that's why you play," McLean said.
"But in saying that, we fully understand and appreciate why Canberra have made their decision and we sympathise with their situation."
Newcastle's next scheduled games are away against Hills Hornets next Saturday. The Hunters' next games scheduled for Broadmeadow are against Central Coast Crusaders on September 12.
AAP reports: Boomers superstar Ben Simmons could be set for a long stint on the sidelines after suffering a partially dislocated left kneecap.
The Philadelphia 76ers guard suffered the injury in Wednesday's NBA clash against Washington Wizards and the team have said they are unsure about how long he'll be out of action.
Asked if Simmons would miss the rest of the season, Philadelphia coach Brett Brown said, "Some of the information is fluid. It's just that the stuff is still being evaluated."
Philadelphia and Boomers coach Brown said the 24-year-old Simmons is feeling anxiety over the situation.
"There is clearly disappointment," Brown said. "I don't know if anyone really understood what he did to get ready to play basketball again [after a 2016 foot injury]. He really invested time."
The two-time All-Star got hurt midway through the third quarter.
He was shown walking gingerly as he exited the arena shortly before the end of Philadelphia's 107-98 triumph at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex near Orlando.
Simmons sustained the injury either while grabbing a rebound, he dribbled slowly up the floor and passed the ball to teammate Al Horford. He is averaging 16.4 points, 8.0 assists and 7.8 rebounds in 57 games this season.
While you're with us, did you know the Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here
IN THE NEWS:
- Newcastle and Hunter coronavirus testing: full list of drive-through, walk-in and private clinics to test for COVID-19
- NNSW NPL: Adamstown matches first to be called off amid COVID-19 scare
- McDonald Jones Stadium undergoing 'full clean' after confirmed coronavirus case attends Jets game
- Newcastle hockey centre closed as community sport deals with latest COVID-19 cases in region
- Basketball: NBA star Ben Simmons sidelined after discloating knee