“Having played my junior years in Victoria, I think it's awesome that kids playing the game have more opportunity at a professional level and in their home state.”

- Andrew Bogut, Milwaukee Bucks
Number One NBA draft pick

“I think the league needs more than eleven teams and a second Melbourne team… is definitely a step in the right direction especially as far as basketball in Melbourne is concerned.”

- Chris Anstey, Melbourne Tigers
Two-time FIBA Europe All-star

“It’s fantastic for the League, having coached in Victoria for 18 years, basketball was at its best when that Melbourne rivalry existed and I really think it’s a great move for everybody involved.

“Its also great for the Tigers to have that rivalry in town and potentially produce more top-class players from the region.

“Its fantastic for the NBL, for Victoria and basketball in general we need a place for kids to play and this move will provide 12 more opportunities for players to play in a league team.

“Essentially I would love to see 15-16 sides back in the competition which is were I feel the league needs to be to be successful on and off the court.”

- Brian Goorjian, Sydney Kings
Four-time NBL Coach of the Year

“I think this is a fantastic move, Melbourne has obviously been the hub for basketball in Australia for many years and is great to see another team back in the competition after previously having four sides in the competition.

“From an Adelaide point of view hopefully the Melbourne/Adelaide rivalry which we have seen in previous years will continue, we’ve had some very good contests over the years and Melbourne have always being known for their high-class teams so hopefully will continue with the new venture.”

- Brett Maher, Adelaide 36ers
Four-time NBL Championship player

“The transfer to Cowan Basketball of the Giants license is a huge step forward for the Philips Championship.

“Not only does it see the NBL return to a more-balanced competition, but also will write a new chapter in Victoria’s proud basketball history. This presents a fantastic new opportunity for the Melbourne public and supporter base to get behind their teams.”

- Rick Burton, NBL Commissioner

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the league, back in the day of three Victorian teams fans loved the local rivalry which existed and that was when we experienced our best crowds.

“I hope personally that the new franchise will have it’s own identity so that former Titans and Giants fans who no longer go to the games will once again have a team to support and get out to their games.

“I look forward to playing next season against the new side and hopefully develop the same rivalry that previous Melbourne sides had with so many teams.”

- Lanard Copeland, Brisbane Bullets
NBL Grand Final MVP 1997

“This is a very positive move by the NBL there has been an obvious shift in basketball in recent years with the resurgence of NSW as a powerhouse in Australian Basketball, but with Melbourne having a second team it will be great to see them develop back into a league front-runner.”

“Victoria has plenty of great young talent who will now be presented with an opportunity that otherwise may have been missed with only one Victorian team.”

- Jason Smith, Sydney Kings
NBL Grand Final MVP 2005

“It's great to see a second basketball team returning to Victoria – the state with Australia's largest basketball participation rate.

“The Dragons have already demonstrated their commitment to connecting with their fan base through the grass roots.

“Mark Cowan has a background in association basketball giving him a great understanding of how that target market works and what they want to see from their local NBL club.

“The return of basketball to a large venue, Vodafone Arena, marks a return to the good old days of Australian basketball - big games in big venues with big crowds.”

- Scott Derwin, President of Basketball Australia

“It’s my belief that the addition of a team in Melbourne will help regenerate the healthy rivalries for the sport here in Melbourne.

“From my own personal point of view I wish the new ownership group all the best.”

- Lindsay Gaze, former Coach of Melbourne Tigers
-time NBL Championship Coach