‘It’s unreal’: Tasmania shatters league record before historic tip-off
The Tasmania Jewels will break a 30-year WNBL hiatus with a historic game against the Geelong Venom in front of a sold-out home crowd.
When captain Darcee Garbin leads her team onto the court, it will mark the first time a women’s professional basketball team has represented the island since the Hobart Islanders in 1996.
The last time Tasmania had a team in the league - the Hobart Islanders. WNBL
Harnessing the same local support that propelled the NBL’s JackJumpers, the Jewels have already rewritten history before even tipping off, shattering league membership records and instantly selling out their inaugural game at their home stadium, MyState Bank Arena.
“It’s unreal...we’ve broken all these records, and we haven’t even played a game yet,” Garbin said to Nine’s Today.
“I just hope we’re going to put a lot of points on the board.”
The pressure now rests on head coach Claudia Brassard’s squad, which is headlined by a trio of Aussie Opals, Steph Reid, Keely Froling and Garbin.
Garbin is acutely aware of the broader legacy that the two Tasmanian teams are building for the local basketball community, allowing a pathway for young Tassie athletes to join a professional team in their home state.
“It’s so exciting...for the last 30 years there hasn’t been a team down here, so the fact that there’s a team down here and young boys and girl get to be inspired by the Jewels,” she continued.
“And they actually don’t have to leave the island, which is what a lot of people have had to do to pursue a basketball career.
“So very excited for our first game tonight. Can’t wait to tip off in front of a sold-out crowd.”
For Garbin, the historic night also carries personal significance as she returns to professional competition just 10 months after giving birth to her daughter, Rose.
Admitting the return was “the most humbling” experience, she said the thought of having her family cheering from the sideline will be “emotional”.
“(I’ve) been out for a while, obviously was pregnant last year. But, I say it’s the most humbling, hardest but most amazing experience ever,” Garbin said.
Darcee Garbin spoke on Nine’s Today about the impact of the Jewels return. Today
“Being an athlete, you’re super competitive and coming back felt like a little bit of a competition some days.
“It was a bit of a slow start, but I’m feeling really good now, Rose has just gone 10 months and I can’t wait to have her there on the sidelines.
“It makes me a bit emotional honestly.”
The WNBL season begins on 9Now on Thursday night with the Tasmania Jewels taking on the Geelong Venom at 7pm AEDT.
