When 84 players arrive in Auckland next Friday June 19 for the Sal's NBL Showdown waiting for them will be a large number of physiotherapists, massage therapists and an array of medical gear, nutritional products and measures to assist them through six weeks of competition.
Player welfare is a high priority for the League with additional initiatives including accommodation at SkyCity for the full competition, league-wide player insurance for the first time ever, and agreements with Nuzest (nutrition), R-Line (electrolytes) and D3 Tape (strapping and medical).
Nuzest will be looking after all players with their popular Clean Lean Protein, while AFT Pharmaceuticals are also supporting the players with a gift pack for all of them.
The Rehab Physio Group will be ensuring all players are well cared for, while the League will also have Basketball New Zealand High Performance physio Lidia Belles based at SkyCity full-time to look after players needing treatment outside of games and training.
"We are putting every measure in place to make sure our players are in good hands while we are based in Auckland for six weeks, their welfare is vital to us, they are the stars of the show and we want to make sure we are doing everything possible to ensure they can get on court and do what they do best," said League General Manager, Justin Nelson.
Players will also have access to the on-site gym at Trusts Arena, which Nelson believes will be an important part of each team's ongoing training routine.
"We think all coaches will be creative across the six weeks, both on and off court, as they try and keep players fresh for the back end of the competition where all seven teams will play during finals week.
"We want to make sure every box is ticked. SkyCity will be providing three good meals every day, Rehab Physio Group have a wonderful team ready to look after the players, and the support of Nuzest, R-Line and D3 Tape is very much appreciated. Every partner is stepping up and doing all they can to help the players perform at their best.
"If there are any other companies wanting to get involved and support the athletes, I'm all ears, come and join us and enjoy being a part of something unique and special," added Nelson.
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