HoopsFest is the answer: Iverson

NBA icon Allen 'The Answer' Iverson has walked away from his first-ever HoopsFest in Australia impressed, encouraging other superstars to follow in his footsteps by experiencing the event firsthand.

Across the second HoopsFest in Perth, the Naismith Hall of Famer witnessed multiple NBL and WNBL games at RAC Arena, while also experiencing some of the top spots Western Australia has to offer.

As such, the 2001 NBA MVP can't wait to see more basketball superstars visit Australasia’s biggest basketball, culture and lifestyle festival.

“It's about giving back. We use the game as a platform to be able to speak and to be able to get our point across throughout the world. It’s opened up so many doors for us to be able to have a voice. I think guys love giving their experiences and trying to help people as much as they can," Iverson told The West Australian.

“Certain people help people in different kinds of ways. Basketball put us on a platform where we can inspire and help people.”

Sitting courtside, Iverson said the 'level of competition' thoroughly impressed him.

“The competition part of everything is what I pay attention to the most before anything,” he said.

“I pay attention to the competition, how guys compete and how hard they play more so than the talent. I saw a lot of guys out there giving fans what they want to see. That’s guys coming out there, giving it their all and playing the game like it’s their last.”

The 2026 HoopsFest saw more than 35,000 fans go through the doors at RAC Arena, representing a 25 per cent increase on the inaugural event.

Round 18 of the NBL26 season tips off on Wednesday night with an Ignite Cup double-header, starting with Melbourne and Brisbane at 5.30pm AEDT before South East Melbourne hosts New Zealand at 7.30pm AEDT.

Both games will be broadcast live on ESPN.

Read the full story here >> Former NBA star Allen Iverson talks tips more icons will come to Perth