Cannons managing director Terry Ryan said the Cannons would look to play regular games in Cooma.

“We want as many kids in this area to be interested in the game, so having a team to support is vital,” he said.

The Cannons will play in the revamped South East Australian Basketball League against teams from Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania in a 16 team competition.

Mr Ryan was in Cooma last Thursday to check out the local facilities.

Mr Ryan said the Cooma Basketball stadium was very good overall and with a few minor changes would be up to the league’s standard.

“We will talk to council about some equipment and facilities just to bring them up to scratch,” he said.

Mr Ryan is hoping for improvements with the addition of a shot clock and perspex backboards.

The Cannons representative said he wanted the side to represent the whole area.

“We want the Cannons to be a team for the whole region, it is also good for the future development of our game,” he said.

Cooma basketballer Pat Swain hopes the new Cannons and Cooma relationship opens up all sorts of opportunities such as coaching clinics.

Mr Swain said seeing professional basketball played live can only help the younger generations improve their skills.

“Anything like this will encourage more kids to take up the game and aspire to be at a higher level,” he said.