Sports science lecturer Fleur McIntyre with Cockburn Cougar players Jenna Wilson and Nicole Pitcher (both 18).
Camera IconSports science lecturer Fleur McIntyre with Cockburn Cougar players Jenna Wilson and Nicole Pitcher (both 18). Credit: Supplied/Martin Kennealey

Spotlight on basketball

Jessica NicoFremantle Gazette

Fleur McIntyre was recently inducted in the State Basketball League Commission and said she would use her position to promote and grow the sport.

‘Participation is probably declining in that there is so much diversity and different sports that kids can play now,’ she said.

‘Also as kids tend to get older and have to specialise, basketball probably has a smaller market and attractability than the other bigger sports in Australia, particularly for boys.’

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Dr McIntyre said basketball had many points that made it attractive to juniors, including the social aspect of playing in a team, but that the SBL needed to do more to promote the sport.

‘I think we need to develop some strategic planning about the direction of basketball in WA and particularly in the State Basketball League, where do we want the league to go, what needs addressing and where do we want to be in five years time,’ she said.

‘The community angle needs to be continually explored and tapped in to.

‘I think the Wildcats have done an amazing job in the marketability of their program and I think we can learn from them at a state level with a more focused approach on community and local engagement for clubs.

‘Development pathways continue to be critical in all sports and particularly in basketball we need to ensure there is the transition from junior competition to older age groups and then the progression to D-League and SBL squads.’

Locals of all ages wanting to know more about playing basketball in the area should call the Cockburn Basketball Association on 9335 9101.