An Indigenous artist and students from an Aboriginal basketball academy have partnered to design a joint Indigenous jersey design set to be worn by Adelaide's two professional basketball sides.
Designed by Temaana Yundu Sanderson-Bromley with support from students at the Aboriginal Basketball Academy, the design tells the story of the Adelaide 36ers (NBL) and Lighting (WNBL), focusing on both clubs' histories and the connection to Kaurna land of the Adelaide Plains in which both clubs play and train.
Sanderson-Bromley is a graduate of the Aboriginal Basketball Academy, which aims to engage Aboriginal students in years 10, 11 and 12 to support their SACE completion while learning and enjoying the game of basketball.
His is also a skilled artist who combines traditional and contemporary themes to design Indigenous apparel, commissioned art pieces and hosts art workshops through his business, Mardlaapa Designs.
The proud Adnyamathanha (Flinders Ranges), Narungga (Yorke Peninsula) and Wangkangurru-Yarluyandi (Simpson Desert) man said he was thrilled to have Academy students assist in the jersey design process.
"It was really amazing being able to work with the students at the Aboriginal Basketball Academy (ABA), to hear about their stories and unpack what they valued about Kaurna Country, Adelaide and the 36ers and Lightning," Sanderson-Bromley said.
"Working with them gave me great direction that allowed me to get into an artistic rhythm that carried me through the artwork.
"It is a great honour to be able to combine my culture and artwork with the voices and ideas of the students at the ABA to create a design that celebrates the history and strength of the 36ers team and organisation.
"I hope that the artwork represents the cultural and continual connection of people to Kaurna Country and the heritage of the two clubs."
The NBL's Indigenous Round will be held across two weeks from October 22, with the Lightning to wear the Indigenous Round jersey on Saturday November 1 against Canberra, with the 36ers to wear it a day later when they host Illawarra Hawks.
Adelaide 36ers CEO, Nic Barbato, said NBL Indigenous Round was always a special celebration, but it would be more so this season.
"The Adelaide 36ers are proud to celebrate and honour the rich contribution to Australian society and in particular to the game of basketball of our First Nations people by wearing this incredible jersey designed by Temaana and the students at the Aboriginal Basketball Academy," Mr Barbato said.
"The design really tells a story of history, community and connection to country and I know our players are excited to wear it as part of the Indigenous Round.
"It is a significant occasion for our club, and it makes it more special that we will share the jersey design with the Adelaide Lightning."
In what's been described as a landmark celebration of First Nations culture in the state, this year's NBL Indigenous Round will be the first time both clubs will wear the same design.
Adelaide Lightning CEO, Melanie MacGillivray, said the joint Indigenous Round jersey marks a milestone moment in uniting the two clubs through a shared story.
"This marks a special moment in the history of the Adelaide Lightning as we are united with the Adelaide 36ers through First Nations art and sport. It really is a testament to the collaborative relationship we have in Adelaide and the central message of connection to land and community," Ms MacGillivray said.
"We are proud to celebrate our First Nations culture and have incredible ambassadors including Jas Fejo and Dallas Loughridge who are inspiring the next generation of First Nations basketball talent across the country."
Indigenous Round will run through Round 6 and 7 of the NBL season.
The jerseys are now available via the Adelaide 36ers Store.
