Kenny Perkins hints at basketball licence bid

Former Canterbury Ram American Kenny Perkins is considering whether to apply for a national basketball league licence with backing linked to the famed Boston Celtics NBA team.

Perkins said his son Kendrick, who has played as a starting forward for the Celtics and another player in the organisation were interested in supporting a team established in Christchurch.

Perkins said he intended making inquiries about an application but would probably only proceed if the team could be based in Canterbury.

"We want to try and replicate what the Rams did back in the late 80s and early 90s when under Keith Mair we were so successful," Perkins said.

The Christchurch Cougars, which started a team at late notice this season after the Rams withdrew, intend to seek a long-term licence after making a strong start this year having reached the semifinals.

Co-owner Amy Gardiner confirmed yesterday they would seek a place in the league after their encouraging debut season.

Rams franchise owner John Watson, now based in the United States, could not be contacted but it was believed he had not yet expressed any interest.

Watson decided not to field a team last year after the Canterbury Basketball Association advised him it could not complete its contractual commitments to run the team after getting into financial strife the previous year.

"If the Cougars and the Rams are fielding teams there wouldn't be really any point trying to have a third team in the city," Perkins said.

Even if the Rams did not enter, Perkins was unsure whether the city could support two teams.

He said interest had been expressed from Southland about his being involved with a team but he preferred to remain in Canterbury.

He said the team's potential backers were also looking elsewhere, notably in China where aspiring NBA players could go to to hone their skills.

Application for licences in the league closes on August 31.