Tim Proot noticed there was nothing much out there for basketballers in the Eastern Bay.

He’s now rectified that by creating a men’s basketball league.

Proot has been asked by several people in the Eastern Bay to create a league, so that’s what he’s done

“The idea of starting a league has been on my mind since I posted on Facebook back in November 2023, hoping to spark a social basketball community inspired by my experience in Christchurch.

“At the time, the response was small. Instead of waiting for a bigger audience, I decided to dive in.

“I booked the Whakatāne Memorial Hall and spread the word locally.

“To my surprise, 10 people showed up that first Friday night. That’s how our weekly pick-up games began.

“Over time, we added Sunday evenings and even outdoor summer games at the Ōhope courts.

“It’s become a thriving community of players who love the game, and now it feels like the right time to bring that league idea to life.”

Proot’s been organising pick-up games for the past year to see if they’d gather much interest.

“They have been incredibly successful. It’s amazing to see how much the basketball community here has grown. I feel like I’ve taken the baton from those who built the scene before me, and I’m honoured to carry it forward.”

Now he feels the competition, which has attracted interest from six teams, is the next step.

“I’m expecting some exciting team chemistry as players form squads with familiar faces from our pick-up games. I also anticipate teams coming from surrounding areas, like Matatā, Edgecumbe, Kawerau and Ōpōtiki, to show they’ve got what it takes to claim the title of local champions.

“I also hope players my age (45) and older feel more comfortable joining or registering a team, knowing there’s a bench with subs.

“In our pick-up games, we play for 90 minutes almost non-stop, and it’s a tough cardio workout.

“With the league format, even though the competition is more intense, it offers more time to rest and recuperate between shifts on the court.”

He hopes it helps strengthen the sport in the Eastern Bay.

“Our pick-up games are all about fun and inclusivity. But I’ve noticed some players want more consistent teams, a chance to improve together and the excitement of meaningful competition. A league gives them that opportunity.

“It also attracts players who might not be drawn to the casual nature of pick-up games. This league is for them, while our pick-up games remain the perfect option for those who just want to show up and enjoy the game.”

His love of basketball came from when he was younger.

“It started when I was a teenager, attending a week-long basketball camp. The speed, teamwork, and strategy hooked me immediately. Growing up, icons like Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan fuelled my passion.

“I played competitively for seven years, guided by an Olympic-level coach who taught me the fundamentals.

“Life got busy, and basketball took a backseat for two decades, though looking back, I wish it hadn’t.

“In my late 30s, I rediscovered the game and started playing again. When we moved from Belgium to New Zealand, I found a fantastic basketball community in Christchurch, where I fell back in love with basketball and the social side of the game. That experience inspired me to create something similar here in Whakatāne.”

For now, it’s male-focused and open to players aged 16 and older but he hasn’t ruled out creating a mixed or women’s team in the future if anyone wants to help create something.

He said creating a competition in Whakatāne was easy, it meant less travel for many people to play the game they love.

“The main reason is simple. I wanted something local and I know others feel the same. I also wanted to bring the same sense of community I experienced in Christchurch to Whakatāne. This competition is about growing basketball here, giving players a platform to challenge themselves, and showing that we have something special in our local scene.”

The competition is set to get under way tonight and teams will play each other twice before the semifinals and finals take place.