Launceston's Basketball Legacy in Round 7 at the Silverdome

The Tasmania JackJumpers will honour Launceston Casino City, Tasmania’s first NBL champions, during the Round 7 clash against South East Melbourne Phoenix on Friday, November 1, 2024, at the Silverdome, Launceston. This special tribute game celebrates the proud history of basketball in Tasmania, with the JackJumpers paying homage to the 1981 Launceston team by unveiling a modernized version of their iconic championship-winning uniform.

Launceston Casino City had an unforgettable, albeit brief, run in the NBL. Formed in 1980, the team won the NBL championship in 1981 and then folded in 1982—a hectic three-year period. Casino City played their home games at Dowling Street Stadium, now known as Elphin Sports Centre. Their defining moment came in the 1981 NBL Grand Final, where they defeated the Nunawading Spectres 75-54. The team’s star player, the late Ian Davies, was an Australian Olympian and later inducted into the NBL Hall of Fame.

Dean Draper, one of the Casino City squad members and a part of the JackJumpers' "Bloodlines" heritage group, played a key role in the recreation of the team's uniform to modern-day standards. Draper has been instrumental in providing valuable insights into the team’s history. On the night, the JackJumpers will honour Draper, along with fellow team members Lynton and Phil Masters and Steve Warren, who have been invited to the game.

Assistant Coach Mark Radford, who grew up in Northern Tasmania, shared how deeply the legacy of Launceston Casino City influenced his love for basketball:

“Growing up in North West Tasmania, I’ll never forget being a 12-year-old kid inspired by Launceston Casino City. They were the talk of all hoops fans at the time. Watching players like Ian Davies, who had just come back from the Olympics, dominate the NBL was unforgettable,” Radford recalled. “Everyone wanted to be like Ian and the other stars of that time. The influence of that team has stayed with me, and it’s a true honour to see our team recognize this legacy.”

As part of the JackJumpers' ongoing commitment to representing Tasmania, this tribute follows last season's commemoration of Hobart’s basketball history. Now, the focus shifts to the north, where Launceston’s 1981 championship remains a pivotal moment for Tasmanian basketball. Fans attending the game are encouraged to get into the spirit by wearing retro basketball uniforms or creative costumes, celebrating past achievements while cheering on today’s team.

The 1981 championship banner is currently being restored and will soon be displayed at the Elphin Sports Centre, where Casino City played many of their games.

While the retro-inspired uniforms won’t be available for purchase on the night, fans are encouraged to subscribe to JackJumpers' communications through our official website, jackjumpers.com.au, to stay updated on the release date of these special edition uniforms.

Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate Launceston’s basketball history and witness the JackJumpers in action as they honour Tasmania’s past and build on the state’s basketball legacy. The uniform will be on sale in the upcoming weeks, so don’t miss out—stay up to date via our website for the official drop! Tip-off is at 7:30 PM AEDT on Friday, November 1, 2024, at the Silverdome, Launceston, or you can watch the game live on ESPN via Kayo.