A positive move towards semi-professional basketball and the concept of regional club tournament are very much on the cards, Jamaica Basketball Association (JABA) President Ajani Williams has revealed.

“Do you guys know where we are going or where we can go,” he quizzed the gathering of teams after they were presented during the opening ceremony of the 2013 National Basketball League (NBL) season at the University of Technology (UTech) yesterday.

“Let me give you some ideas. JABA has plans to take this league into a semi-pro league, and what this means…I don’t know if it’s two or three or four years, it will allow you to get stipends,” said Williams.

He also added that plans are in the pipeline for the top two teams from a number of countries in the region to participate in an all-star club league.

Meanwhile, Columbus Communication Jamaica Limited, through its flagship Flow, handed over its $9-m cheque representing its sponsorship share in this the third and final year of their three-year $27-m deal.

Donovan White, Flow’s vice-president of sales and marketing, said they are pleased to once again be partnering with the Jamaica Basketball Association (JABA) as title sponsors of the NBL.

“This season presents many exciting opportunities to participants and patrons alike. Over the last three years we have seen the demonstration of growth and excellence, on and off the court, both on a personal and professional level,” White noted.

White praised the organisers and promised an even deeper relationship into the communities and schools.

Meanwhile, 27 clubs will challenge Urban Knights for the all-island title and, based on Saturday’s opening performance, the defending champions do not appear ready to give up their throne without a grand fight.

Urban Knights turned in a solid performance in beating many-time champion Tivoli Wizards 73-47 and sounded a strong warning to the rest of the league.

The 28 teams are divided into four conferences — Southern, Western, Eastern, and Central — where the top two teams play for the conference title and the top three teams advance to the national play-offs.

The Southern Conference will be contested by Urban Knights, Tivoli Wizards, Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), Majesty Gardens, Portmore Mega Flames, Running Rebels, Selassie Garden Lions, Spanish Town Spartans, St Georges Saints, St Georges Slayers, Pembroke Hall, and Link Up All Stars.

Only six teams are in the Western Conference. They are Catherine Hall All Stars, Granville Jaguars, Hoopers, Lucea Flames, Railway Tigers, and Montego Bay Cricket Club Knights.

The Eastern Conference is comprised of Pure Playaz, Portland Pistons, Buff Bay Hawks, Morant Bay Warriors, and Yallahs Gators.

Manchester Pythons, Nain More-Ups, Spaulding Hippers, Team Aaah, and Victory will fight for the Central Conference title.