Basketball WA CEO, Rick Smith, said he is delighted that the development of basketball in WA continues to grow along with levels of participation and popularity throughout all levels of the sport.

“Basketball in Western Australia is booming,” Mr Smith said.

“Our member Associations have indicated a swell of players this year with a number seeing an increase in registrations by as much as 20%. We are working hard to ensure all games are scheduled and that we have enough Development Officers on the ground to work with more than 35,000 students throughout the State this year alone.”

Mr Smith also said that despite the uncertainty surrounding the 2009/10 NBL season, the State Basketball League Competition is the most competitive it has ever been and rivals similar competitions in other States of Australia.

“Our competitions at all levels are thriving with increased attendances and some very hotly contested matches in both the Men’s and Women’s competitions. The quality of matches is outstanding and this is reflected in increased crowd support,” he said.

Mr Smith said the State Government needs to ignore the condition of the game’s flag-ship men’s national competition and increase its investment in grass roots basketball in WA when the State Budget is announced this week.