A.F. Adderley Gymnasium considered the mecca for basketball in New Providence

Wed, Oct 23rd 2013, 12:38 PM

The old saying 'home is where the heart is' has become a popular phrase used by the executives in the New Providence Basketball Association (NPBA), now that they have returned to the A.F. Adderley Gymnasium for the 2013/14 season.

Knowing first hand that location is key and can arguably determine the success level in their association, NPBA President Keith 'Belsey' Smith is confident that the league will return to its 'heydays'. Smith called the facility, located on Baillou Hill Road, the mecca for basketball in New Providence where fans flock to see exciting amateur play. The league is expected to tip-off at the end of the month, giving teams that participated in the inaugural pre-season a couple of days to recover.

Smith: "I think it is going to be much better. A.F. Adderley has been the historic home for basketball. We have gotten the gym for a full year, for the first time under my tenure. We have moved around from Sir Kendal, to Donald Davis, to C.I. Gibson, which has been very good to us, but we have outgrown most of those places. We have gotten more demands from the fans and this being a more central located facility, I think the fan support is going to increase. If the playoffs last year was any indication of what we should expect at this location, then I think the fan base will be great. It will get bigger as the season goes on. Once the word is out that basketball is back in A.F. Adderley that is going to improve our fan base and our fan support."

According to Smith, the feedback has already been positive, as a number of preseason games attracted a large number of fans. As the season moves on, Smith believes that they will have a sold out gymnasium, especially during big games, playoffs and championships.

Coaches are also thrilled about the idea of playing in the A.F. Adderley Gymnasium. Head coach of the Commonwealth Bank Giants Perry Thompson said, "It is good to be back home."

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