Basketball Super League

Klosterneuburg starts with a party feeling

The Dukes brought in KJ Jenkins (pictured with the ball) as a replacement for Mike Weathers, who left the team.(Bild: Verena Maurer)

Klosterneuburg's Dukes kick off the new Basketball Superliga season on Saturday with a daytime spectacle surrounding the game against Fürstenfeld. Meanwhile, the "Lions" from Traiskirchen meet Kapfenberg - including former coach Rade Mijanovic.

Straighten your sweatbands, tie your shoelaces - let's go! Saturday marks the start of the new Superliga season for the first two Lower Austrian teams. In the basketball city of Klosterneuburg with a holiday character.

The festival opens at 10 a.m. with a children's program in the hall, followed by the "big ones" in the marquee at noon. With free admission, the party then moves inside for the match against Fürstenfeld (15:30). Where the "Dukes Castle" will probably be bursting at the seams. "It will be more than just a full house," assures manager Matthias Hager full of anticipation.

Which will hopefully also spill over to the autograph session and after-party after the game. "We don't want to underestimate them, but I'm already expecting a win," says Hager, noting that the atmosphere is not in danger.

Keyword atmosphere. The atmosphere between Traiskirchen and former coach Rade Mijanovic is still friendly. Even if the obligatory good luck wishes are on hold for today. "We're happy for him when he's successful, except against us of course," smiles manager Paul Handler. He expects the Lions to be at full strength on Saturday (19) against Kapfenberg in the "Lions Dome". "We were missing important players like Kostic and Güttl in the preparation, now we can draw on the full complement again!"

Neo-Lion Delvon Johnson will make his league debut on Saturday.(Bild: Verena Maurer)

While Klosterneuburg and Traiskirchen are aiming for the play-offs, St. Pölten are still working on an alternative home venue after the storms. Luckily, the "Wolves" have a bye in round one.