LeVaughn Flynn, Staff Reporter

JAMAICA AMATEUR Basket-ball Association (JABA) president Marland Nattie outlined a new vision for the National Basketball League (NBL) on Sunday, moments before tip-off of the 2007 season.

In February 2004, the Division One league was relaunched as the NBL. Much buzz surrounded the first year of the tournament but enthusiasm slowly waned in the following two seasons. The late start to this season and the delay in paying prize money by JABA in the past has also affected the clubs' confidence in the association.

On Sunday, Nattie said building back that trust would be his administration's priority this season.

"We want to be consistent and we want to develop trust with all the stakeholders," Nattie told The Gleaner. "Over the last two years, some of the teams became dis-gruntled (with some of the decisions made). So this year, we'll be having stake-holders meeting with the teams and we'll be including referees, table officials and the sponsors, so as we go week by week everybody is fully abreast of what their roles are, what is not happening and what needs to happen, so at the end of the day we fulfill our goals."

An increase in fans

Along with settling internal affairs, Nattie said he wants to see an increase in fans at the games. The president said the association will be looking to collaborate with the clubs to achieve this.

"We want to work together to get the stands filled and look at a profit sharing with the clubs from the gate receipts," said Nattie.

The JABA will be embarking on several marketing campaigns to get the fans out. The most attractive of these will be the chance to win a Chevrolet SUV from GM challenger. Prizes will also be available at select games from sponsors KFC, Juciful and Lerner Shops and there are plans to take the games to the community. Nattie said the JABA is finalising plans to have weekend games at Edgewater in Portmore, Folly Oval in Portland, Sligoville in St. Catherine and the UWI gymnasium.

Delayed start

The league was expected to begin in February, but the Cricket World Cup, as well as a thorough planning of the marketing tactics delayed the start, according to Nattie. He, however, believes it will be worth the wait.

"A lot of the players have been waiting to play, but we are going to make it worth their while," Nattie said.

Nattie said one of the marketing campaigns the JABA has been working on is a 'Hoops Card' for players which offers discount at participating stores.

Nattie added: "With it being summer, some of the players who normally would be at school studying for exams can now really focus on the league. I'm also hearing that some of the overseas-based players might be coming back to join the league. So, even though it has started late, the league promises to be really good this year."

In an effort to make the players more visible, 12 players have been selected as the 'face of the NBL'.

Nattie explains: "These players will be unleashed on the public. They will be doing ads, they will be doing community work and they will be the face of the NBL.

"The aim is to let the fans feel a part of it. As the slogan says 'My Life, My Style, My Culture. NBL: A My Ting Dat!'"