CODE Sports NBL Blitz delivers for Bendigo community

The CODE Sports NBL Blitz has wrapped in Bendigo, with all 10 NBL teams leaving their mark on the local community as much as they did on the court during the League's pre-season showcase at Red Energy Arena.

Melbourne United were crowned Blitz champions, taking home the Loggins-Bruton Cup, while Luke Travers claimed tournament MVP honours in the Ray Borner Award with averages of 18 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.5 blocks across his two games.

The week's most significant scoreline may be off the court, thanks to the NBL and Bunnings' three-point donation initiative, with $40 being donated for every three-point make.

A total of $8,640 has been raised for the Bendigo CFA, with the contribution providing vital support to the volunteers who protect Bendigo and the surrounding region.

The contribution will provide vital support to the volunteers who protect Bendigo and the surrounding region.

Community impact ran through every stop on the schedule. The New Zealand Breakers visited Victory Christian College in Strathdale, while the South East Melbourne Phoenix ran a Kmart Game Time session with local fans at St Francis of the Fields Primary OSHC in Strathfieldsaye before the Tasmania JackJumpers also stopped in for a clinic.

The Perth Wildcats teamed up with Special Olympics for a wonderful session at Red Energy Arena, and the Sydney Kings ran a Plus1 Domestic Camp for young local players at the same venue.

The Brisbane Bullets visited Girton Grammar School and the Adelaide 36ers made a special appearance at Hungry Jack's in the Bendigo CBD – even jumping in the drive-through – while the Cairns Taipans took part in the Blackmores Indigenous Clinic at Red Energy Arena.

The Illawarra Hawks and Melbourne United rounded out the week with their own community sessions at the venue.

NBL Group CEO David Stevenson said, "Bendigo opened its arms to the NBL this week, and our players and clubs repaid that hospitality by giving back to this community at every turn.

"From school visits to a Special Olympics session to raising real money for our local CFA, this CODE Sports Blitz has shown what our game can do off the court, not just on it.

"Thank you to Visit Victoria for backing this event, to the team at Red Energy Arena for their hospitality and professionalism, to our clubs and players for their efforts, and to the people of Bendigo for being such brilliant hosts."

David Elliott, CEO of Red Energy Arena added, "Hosting the CODE Sports NBL Blitz has been such a fantastic moment for Red Energy Arena, and a perfect way to launch our new courts.

"Seeing how much the fans have turned up and enjoyed the tournament tells a lot about how many young Bendigo players will be next to pick up a ball and want to play here.

"We're delighted to have been the NBL's home for the week and can't wait to host games again this coming season."

The Hungry Jack's NBL26 Season tips off September 19.

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