All-Stars Dunk Competition Field Selected

The field for the 2005/06 Philips Dunk Competition, to take place as part of the NBL All-Star Game, was finalised today.

The six-man line-up for this year’s Philips Dunk Competition features a selection of the League’s entertaining players including high-flying imports Cortez Groves (Wollongong), Rashad Tucker (Melbourne) and Rolan Roberts (Sydney).

The Virgin Blue Velocity NBL All-Star Game, part of the Philips Championship, will be held at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on 27 December 2005.

One of the league’s most ferocious dunkers, Pero Vasiljevic (West Sydney), is joined by Perth’s Liam Rush and exciting development player Everard Bartlett (New Zealand) rounding out the six players selected to contest the Philips Dunk Competition.

Eleven candidates, one from each team, were originally nominated by each NBL club. Of those 11 the final six have being selected to compete following a fan-based vote on the league’s official website (www.nbl.com.au).

“We are very excited for this year’s Philips Dunk Competition, it is shaping as a very entertaining spectacle,” said NBL Operations Manager Stacey Meadows.

“The line-up the fans have selected will ensure an outstanding display of skill and athleticism.”

“The support from Philips, as event sponsor has been tremendous donating a LCD television valued at $2,500 for the Dunk Competition winner with all other contestants receiving one of Philips latest products.”

Sydney’s Roberts is tipped to be a favourite, having previously been co-champion of the prestigious NCAA Slam Dunk tournament during his collegiate career. The Kings big-man has continually shown his ability to dunk the ball in the early stages of the Philips Championship season and is sure to have a strong supporter base on his home court.

New Zealand development player Everard Bartlett will be one to watch following an impressive half-time dunking display in Round 12 when the Breakers hosted the Wildcats. Breakers head coach Andrej Lemanis believes his development player has the ability to give this year’s Philips Dunk Competition a shake.

“Most of the players taking part will be big men, but Everard is an amazing athlete and he constantly surprises with his dunking variations,” Lemanis said. “He puts on a real show.”

“We’re thrilled to have him representing the club and we’re sure his brand of magic will be on display,” Lemanis added.

Tickets for the All-Star Game & Dunk Competition are available from Ticketmaster on 136 100 or at www.ticketmaster7.com.au

Related Articles:

Smyth and Goorjian to lead NBL All-Stars (Mon Nov 21)
NBL All-Star format revealed (Sat Nov 5)