The success of last year's Illawarra Hawks versus Indigenous All-Stars game has inspired the NBL to stage an Indigenous Round.
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Round 18 of the 2019/20 NBL season will recognise and acknowledge Indigenous culture and basketball across Australia and New Zealand.
The decision to stage an Indigenous Round follows last September's Indigenous game in Wollongong, where the Hawks recorded an 110-87 win over the Indigenous All-Stars. LaMelo Ball made his debut for Illawarra in that game, finishing with 12 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals.
The list of Indigenous basketballers to play in the NBL include former Hawk, Tyson Demos.
All nine NBL teams will wear Indigenous uniforms designed by local Indigenous artists in round 18. Illawarra hosts New Zealand Breakers on February 2.
All Indigenous Round games will include a Welcome to Country and an Acknowledgement of Country. Key members of Indigenous communities will be invited to all games.
"There are a number of Indigenous players, officials and administrators who've made an important contribution to basketball both in Australia and New Zealand," NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said.
"It's important we recognise these key Indigenous figures in a meaningful and impactful way, while also acknowledging the contribution wider Indigenous communities have made to the game.
"We will contribute proceeds from the sales of the Indigenous jerseys towards the development of young Indigenous players to ensure young male and females have a pathway to pursue their basketball dreams.
"We want to ensure others can follow in the footsteps of players such as Danny Morseu, Patty Mills, Nate Jawai, Paul Henare and Pero Cameron and the many others who've made such a huge contribution to the game both here and around the world."
The NBL will work with its key stakeholders to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan to support the national reconciliation movement.
Indigenous Round tips off on January 29 when Melbourne United hosts Perth Wildcats at Melbourne Arena.
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