Why NBA All-Star fell in love with Australia

DeMarcus Cousins is coming back to Australia, and this time he’s bringing his love of the NBL’s “soap opera” to Perth.

The four-time NBA All-Star has been named ambassador for HoopsFest 2027, which will see the NBL and WNBL’s top stars descend on Perth in January for the third edition of the event.

The five-day festival, Australasia’s biggest celebration of basketball, culture and lifestyle, will mark the Olympic gold medallist’s second trip to the country in the past 12 months.

>> ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HOOPSFEST 2027

Cousins first visited in May 2026 as part of the first-ever NBA House in Melbourne, and that experience made him jump at the chance to return.

“[People] absolutely [fall in love with Australia], and I understand why,” Cousins said in a one-on-one chat with the NBL’s Pete Hooley.

“From the fan love to the different dining [it’s great].

“The zoo was a bit scary; y’all got some real animals out there.

“But the meat pies, the AFL game; it was just a great experience overall.

“The biggest thing is just how nice the people were to me, so it was a great experience overall.”

Cousins has become a fan of the NBL from afar, and he’s excited to connect with even more fans in Perth and see both leagues in person.

“The drama is incredible. It’s like a hoop game soap opera,” he said.

“I think it’s great, [and] entertaining. It makes that many more eyes want to watch it.

“Sometimes the hoop part may not attract you, but the drama part will. It’s still a positive.

“The League is doing incredible, and I’m excited for the growth. I’m excited for the expansion. I can’t wait to see what it turns into.”

HoopsFest 2027 runs from January 13-17 at RAC Arena, with tickets still available here.