A "push for a second Melbourne franchise in the National Basketball League has gathered pace," according to Jon Pierik of THE AGE. While the Melbourne Tigers adjust to a "new name of Melbourne United, a bid to establish a second Melbourne club" in time for the '15-16 season intensifies. As was the case in a "failed bid two years ago, the new side, if successful, will be based in the south-eastern suburbs and have the support of possibly four local councils and local basketball associations," with the NBL club at the top of a "development pathway." The team would play "many of its home matches at the State Basketball Centre in Knox and Dandenong" (THE AGE, 5/20). In Melbourne, Russell Gould reported the Tigers' decision to "become a new entity drew a fierce backlash from basketball fans and stars of the game" on Monday. The club's owners adopted a "new name, Melbourne United Basketball, and new dark navy colours." Former Tigers players Lindsay and Andrew Gaze had earlier described the change as "gut-wrenching." Tigers player Lanard Copeland said that he would "ask that the honour of having his singlet draped from the rafters at the club arena be revoked." Copeland: "Two guys are ripping the heart out of the club." The team's Facebook site was "flooded with vitriol about the decision." The "criticism on social media comes despite the Tigers playing in front of packed houses at The Cage this season" (HERALD SUN, 5/19).
