The San Antonio Spurs, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors are three of the top teams in the NBA. The perpetually geriatric San Antonio Spurs play with dynamic offense and intense defense, putting emphasis on the extra pass to get the best shot possible. The Cleveland Cavaliers are fueled by the indomitable Lebron James, the upstart Kyrie Irving and the sharpshooting big man Kevin Love. The Warriors are lifted by the immaculate shooting of Stephen Curry and boasts one of the most talented rosters in the NBA. These three contenders are as different as can be in terms of playing style and personnel but the one link that binds all three of them is the presence of a scrappy Australian on each of their teams.
In a land of rugby and cricket, basketball was seen as a struggling sport in Australia. That all changed as the presence of Australians in the NBA finals has shone a spotlight on the tenacity and grit that makes these individuals key contributors to their respective teams. Patty Mills, born from an islander/aborigine heritage, became the first Australian NBA champion as he became a focal point of sustaining the Spurs’ offensive barrage. Andrew Bogut, the hulking defensive anchor of the Golden State Warriors, faced off against the scrappy Matthew Dellavedova during the past finals. All three exhibit that irrepressible motor people from down under are known for while both Bogut and Dellavedova are paragons in the timeless Australian art of irritating and annoying people.
The NBA has increasingly shown its drive to become a global brand. The inclusion of Aussies among its top teams has lead to and increase in basketball popularity in Australia. Sure, rugby and cricket are still as popular as ever but the success of these three Australians has attracted more fans to the sport. The performance of Mills, Delly, and Bogut on the worlds stage has given rise to an increase in the sales of jerseys and basketball uniforms Australia ballers purchase. Players in Australia’s basketball development program are looking for quality uniforms to help them elevate their game and become an NBA player. In sports, every advantage counts and a quality uniform, one that prevents chafing and does not constrain movement, can give players a competitive edge. It may not be easy to find the best among the many basketball uniforms Australia players have access too, but a discerning eye can catch minor imperfections that can have serious repercussions during a particularly tight game. And when you want to be the best, every little detail matters.
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