WNBL: Bendigo Spirit's Ben Harvey speaks ahead of Launceston fixture

Currently serving as the Spirit's general manager, Harvey used to be a prominent player in the state's basketball scene even turning out for Latrobe in a championship season.

Harvey also suited up for the Northwest Thunder for a championship in 1996 and the Hobart Chargers before moving into administration as a development officer with Basketball Tasmania.

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While Harvey left the state two decades ago, the Apple Isle still has a place in his heart.

"I am probably more extra passionate about what's happened because I lived in Tasmania ... I understand it, I know the alignment and Basketball Tasmania are doing a great job down there with their pathway," he said.

"I am probably extra excited knowing I can come back and be involved in something that's a really important piece for women's sport."

It is somewhat fitting that basketball would be the lure back, with Harvey's Spirit side set to take on the Southside Flyers next season in Launceston on March 7 at Silverdome and Hobart.

"We're going down there to support basketball and the community, women in sport is something we're really excited to work with [going forward]," Harvey said.

"It's a really good time and I think the timing is great because it gives us time to work on the strategy of how we're going to come down to Tasmania ... without the community's support we won't get a good crowd and that's what we want."

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Harvey said the club was eager to help spark an interest in the sport, likely in the form of clinics held in conjunction with the Launceston Tornadoes and Hobart Chargers.

The WNBL fixtures come as Tasmania looks into the chances of getting a franchise in the WNBL in the coming years.

Both Basketball Tasmania and the Tasmania JackJumpers have had conversations with Basketball Australia about the possibility.

Harvey shared the sentiment that the state could look to push for franchise in the next three years which was suggested by JackJumpers chief executive Simon Brookhouse.

"Right now there's an NBL program there so there's light in the tunnel for a national program down there and that would be fantastic, this is a step in the right direction," Harvey said.

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