Larry Kestelman's attempts to engage Tasmanians to get behind their NBL bid could be settled without Southern Huskies playing a role.
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That view comes after the launch of a new www.nbltas.com.au website to test out the interest of the state returning to NBL competition for the first time since the licence of the now defunct Hobart Tassie Devils was revoked in 1996 over financial issues.
"We encourage every Tasmanian to register their support there because we need as much support to make it happen," Kestelman said.
The NBL owner voiced his thoughts on the basketball future for the state without a single mention of Tasmania's only professional side during a Hobart press conference.
The four-day tournament could be the first step towards Tasmania claiming the 10th franchise of the NBL.
"My timeline was to try and make it happen - not for this coming season, but the following," Kestelman said.
"So that's a pretty tough timeline and that's the only thing that I am working on now, but I think that will be challenging as knowing how much work is needed."
Owner Justin Hickey had pushed for the Huskies to enter the NBL sooner rather than later, but after a South East Melbourne Phoenix bid was preferred the Tasmanian side signed a five-year deal to join the New Zealand league until further NBL expansion.
"The interest from overseas in particular is enormous, so finding an owner I don't think will ever be a problem," Kestelman said.
"We're not at that stage of receiving offers, soliciting or wanting interest. We still need to issue the licence and then we'll go on a journey to find the right owner.
"For us, it's not just about finding an owner, but finding the right owner that will love the team and understand what we're trying to achieve for Tasmania.
"That is the next step and it might take a bit of time."
He called the investment the "jigsaw puzzle" that could seal a Tasmanian NBL deal.
Hickey initially attempted to make an offer last year on the Hobart venue.
"I don't think without the right venue it can happen. It has to coincide for the team to go ahead," Kestelman said.
But Kestelman was adamant Tasmania would play a bigger role at the NBL Blitz.
Under a new initiative, the NBL is introducing a Next Stars program for what will be a "more special" season.
That will include a range of NBA draft prospects playing in the league that coincides with NBL clubs finetuning their game in Tasmania ahead of facing NBA rivals.
"They'll be taking the NBL Blitz very seriously," he said.
"They'll be going from playing in Launceston to playing the LA Clippers in the Staples Centre.
"The Next Stars program has high-profile players signing up from the US and other people like LaMelo Ball."