The South Dragons will embark on an NBA-style community program over the next few months, with the NBL’s hottest new franchise to conduct open training runs and signature sessions at over a dozen local basketball associations.

Back to the ‘Burbs 2006/07 will be the South Dragons principal community program, and will directed by Australian Basketball icon and Dragons Development Manager Michele Timms.

Lead by inaugural coach and four-time NBA All-Star Mark Price, each Back to the ‘Burbs session will begin with a full paced training run, and will finish with an opportunity for fans to meet and greet their basketball heroes.

“Back to the ‘Burbs is about connecting with the thousands of kids who regularly play the game around Victoria,” said Dragons Basketball Development Officer Michele Timms.

“As a club we pride ourselves on accessibility and Back to the 'Burbs is a fantastic example of this.

"The main focus of the visits is to have the young players get to see how the pros train, and to meet face-to-face and interact with the stars of the game."

Dragons chairman Mark Cowan says the initiative is the perfect way to engage the basketball community, and spread the word about the Dragons’ program.

"It's always been my vision for our club to really connect with the people that play the game and Back to the 'Burbs is the perfect vehicle to give the kids access to their heroes," said Cowan.

The South Dragons first home game is on October 14 against the Wollongong Hawks at Vodafone Arena, tip-off 7:40pm.

Back to the ‘Burbs 2006/07

August, 2006
Tuesday, August 8, Nunawading Basketball Stadium, 3:00-5:30pm
Tuesday, August 15, Hawthorn/Camberwell, 3:00-5:30pm

September 2006
Tuesday, September 5, Frankston Basketball Complex, 3:00-5:30pm
Tuesday, September 19, Diamond Valley Basketball Stadium, 3:00-5:30pm

October 2006
Tuesday, October 3, Eltham Stadium, 3:00-5:30pm
Tuesday, October 10, Ringwood Basketball Stadium, 3:00-5:30pm

November 2006
Wednesday, November 8, Bulleen Basketball Stadium, 4:30-5:30pm
Thursday, November 14, Waverley Basketball Stadium, 3:00-5:00pm
Tuesday, November 28, Mill Park Basketball Stadium, 3:00-5:30pm

December 2006
Tuesday, December 5, Broadmeadows Basketball Stadium, 3:00-5:30pm
Monday, December 18, Cranbourne Basketball Stadium, 3:00-5:30pm

January 2007
Monday, January 22, Werribee Basketball Stadium, 3:00-5:30pm
Tuesday, January 30, Craigieburn Leisure Centre, 3:00-5:30pm

February 2007
Friday, February 5, Coburg/Darebin Stadium, 3:00-5:30pm

Dragons Pre-season schedule

August, 2006
Wednesday, August 23, Dragons Vs Taipans, Knox Stadium, 7:30PM (P)
Friday, August 25, Dragons Vs 36ers, Aurora Stadium, 7:30PM (P)
Saturday, August 26, Dragons Vs 36ers, Davenport Stadium, 7:30PM (P)

September, 2006
Tuesday, September 12, Dragons Vs Big V All-Stars, Dandenong, 7:30PM (P)
Friday, September 15, Dragons Vs Big V All-Stars, Shepparton, 7:30PM (P)