Mika Vukona planned to show no restraint with the Christmas ham. But if the rest of the competition is as willing as his coach, such indulging may soon prove impossible.
The Breakers, still smarting from the heaviest defeat of their season, will tomorrow take on the last-placed Kings in Sydney, having enjoyed Christmas at home with their families. That meant stuffing their faces with everything on offer because, as Vukona put it, "you don't have to worry about it since you're coming into training and burning it off straight away".
But in future, they may have to hold back at lunch with Christmas Day appearing to coach Dean Vickerman as an attractive option to take the court. Such scheduling is common in the United States, where fans are treated to a slate of five marquee match-ups spread from early afternoon into late evening.
Supporters can either opt for basketball commentary at home or head to the arena for a different kind of celebration. Both are popular, with ratings and attendances continuing to soar on the holiday, and Vickerman believes the Australian NBL would be wise to explore such an avenue.
"We've played on Boxing Day and we play on New Year's Eve so, for me, to play on Christmas Day, as long as you had some time with your family in the morning, I wouldn't object to it," Vickerman told Radio Sport. "It's obviously an unbelievable viewing time and, from a spectator point of view and for the game advancing, it's something our league can look at."
