The Sydney Comets are disappointed to confirm that Basketball NSW (BNSW) has ruled William “Davo” Hickey, one of the most promising Indigenous basketball talents in the country, ineligible to play in the NBL1 East Finals.
Davo was excited to represent his junior club during the NBL1 East Finals however, this will no longer be possible as BNSW has rejected the Sydney Comets request for a medical and NBA Summer League exemption. Hickey, who was signed with 12 games remaining in the regular season, was a standout for the NBL1 East competition, before heading to the USA to compete in the NBA Summer League for the Chicago Bulls. Davo will now focus on the upcoming Boomers training camp and making the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup, while cheering on his Comets teammates.
Sydney Comets CEO Ben Madgen said
“Everyone at the Sydney Comets is extremely disappointed with the decision as we put forward a strong case on behalf of Davo. However, we must move on and will rally behind the rest of the Comets squad for the remainder of the NBL1East season. I do see this as critical moment for BNSW and the NBL1East. Community Associations invest a lot of money and resources to bring in NBL level talent to the NBL1East and marquee players like Davo, Noi, Galloway and Blanchfield add tremendous value to the entire NBL1East in several ways:
- Boosts the calibre of the NBL1 East competition
- Increased home and away crowds
- Coaching and mentoring younger players who want to make it to the NBL and NBA
- Merchandise sales
- Increased sponsorship income
The value that comes back into the Association can then be invested into the Association’s grassroots programs. So, we absolutely need marque players in the NBL1East, they only make the competition better and Associations healthier. I will certainly be continuing the conversation with BNSW and my fellow NBL1 East CEO’s about creating a simple, modern and agile way for marque players to participate in the NBL1East.”
