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On December 30th I announced my decision to follow the NBL however, I lacked a team to support. Today, I began my thorough research and elimination process in order to make a careful decision. This is how I chose the team I now support:
Considering my general knowledge of the teams were quite limited, I opted to make eliminations based on research first. In some ways, this was very easy and in others it was a little tougher.
Anyone who is friends with @jacintaj_ would know that she despises the Sydney Kings. While the locality appealed to me for a split second, I opted away from them. If she's taught me anything it's to hate the Kings. Easy elimination.
Next, I researched the success of teams and I was able to quickly eliminate the Perth Wildcats. As a Parramatta Eels fan, it wouldn't be right for me to follow the top team. Also, I ain't no bandwagoner.
Next, I considered geography. This led to me lean away from NZ Breakers because I feel I've gotta go with an Australian team at least. While I'm not opposed to following a team outside of NSW, I can't bring myself to follow a QLD team. Bye bye Brisbane Bullets and Cairns Taipans.
Following the above tweet, I also had to eliminate the Brisbane Bullets purely because I refuse to follow any other blue and gold team. The colours just really don't suit me so I truly have to adore a team to do it.
I decided to do some history research on each team still remaining and was forced to eliminate Melbourne United purely because I refuse to follow any team that currently is or ever was the Tigers
While the idea of following a team at the very beginning of their venture really appealed to me considering I'm new, I can not follow a team called the JackJumpers. What the fuck Tasmania? I'm not following an ant.
I reached the stage of my research where I was done easily eliminating so that left me with The Hawks, Adelaide 36ers and South East Melbourne Phoenix. This is where it's been very hard.
The 36ers nabbed my attention the second I read "80s golden era" because duh - Parra. Then when I read they won two consecutive wooden spoons in '11 and '12 oh man I almost bought a membership on the spot. Do I love pain?
The Hawks always had my attention because of Jacinta however, my heart strings were tugged when I discovered the NBL vowed to keep them alive. I am triggered that the Wildcats eliminated them their past 6 post season appearances though. Again, serious Parra vibes.
SE Melbourne also had my attention cause of Jacinta cause she said she thought they were my vibe - she wasn't wrong. I really do love the idea of supporting a fresh, relatively new team.
At this stage I was still torn. I turned to the clubs for their content. To be totally honest, I wasn't vibing with The Hawks' content. SE Melbourne and Adelaide appealed to me much much more. I started watching some videos and reading some articles.
I loved DJ's Corner from the 36ers. I love their graphics. It's unbelievable how much this can really actually make a difference to prospective fans.
SE Melbourne had a fantastic article focusing on the year that was 2020. Their first point of attention was what they did for the community which is huge to me. I love the idea of an online training series with Kyle Adnam.
I decided to research community involvement amongst both clubs and while both do so much (so do The Hawks admittedly) the PNX Foundation really appeals to me. The main pillars of mental well being, diversity & inclusion and education & physical activity is huge to me.
Phoenix's official charity partner is the Starlight Children's Foundation which is a charity that means so much to me. On top of other community work, and amazing membership content. I was sold.
After serious consideration tied together with research and simply going with my gut, I've chosen to follow South East Melbourne Phoenix. This is gonna be fun @SEMelbPhoenix
Thank you all for following along. I can't believe @jacintaj_ actually called this. What the fuck.
