Giants granted NBL1 home opener to showcase new stadium

Kalgoorlie-Boulder Basketball Association’s multimillion-dollar stadium redevelopment will be showcased for the first time at NBL1 level in the Goldfields Giants’ season opener on April 5.

Next year’s draw for round one was released on Friday, with the Giants launching their 2025 campaign at home against Cockburn.

April 5 will also officially launch Lennon Smartt’s debut as the men’s head coach since taking over from Matt Van Pelt.

Smartt was elevated to the top job last month after stepping up as interim coach for a big portion of this year.

Under Smartt, Goldfields won five of their final eight games, including an elimination final against Warwick to progress in the playoffs.

An official opening for the $14.7 million project is scheduled for early February.

But with the vast majority of work already completed, players lining up in the KBBA’s domestic ranks will from late January be able to enjoy the spoils of a brand-new venue after 46 years in the old stadium.

Next year will be significant for the KBBA, as the state-of-the-art facilities are complemented by the debut of an additional women’s Giants team in the WA Basketball League.

It also marks the end of shared facilities, with the new stadium featuring separate women’s and men’s facilities for both the home and visiting teams.

On the players’ front, Giants management this week made an early splash by re-signing Sam Morrow, Nick Lawrence, Lawrin Tipene, and Kate Sidebottom for next year.

Morrow was the the Giants’ WABL most valuable player and at age 22 looks ready to play a big role in the NBL1 ranks as his standout domestic season continues.