NBAxNBL Series a 'dream come true' for Kestelman

While the dust is yet to completely settle on the first-ever NBAxNBL Melbourne Series, the man behind it all, NBL Group Executive Director Larry Kestelman, has labelled the event a massive success.

Across the four days, which included two games featuring the New Orleans Pelicans, Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix, an opening training session and Fan Night, more than 60,000 people attended Melbourne Park, reiterating Kestelman's point.

"It's a dream come true, not just for me but the basketball community," NBL Executive Director Larry Kestelman said during Sunday's broadcast.

"To see all the kids and families experience these superstars [is amazing], we're all in awe of them.

"The moment that stands out to me [from the weekend] is seeing all those kids in the crowd go wild after living out their dreams [by seeing their stars in person] but also inspiring them to be one of those players."

Kestelman now hopes this leads to future NBA games in Australia.

"This was about proving that we can actually deliver a global-quality event and I think we've done it, I think they're happy and the rest is up to them," Kestelman said.

"[Now] we just keep growing the partnership, growing the trust and seeing where it goes."

Echoing that sentiment is South East Melbourne's Nathan Sobey, who has achieved plenty in his basketball career, including being part of the Australian Boomers' historic bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and knows the impact this event will have on the future of hoops in this country.

"It [the series] was a great experience, not just for me but for basketball in general," Sobey said during Sunday's post-game press conference.

"I'm a country Victorian, who grew up around here, so I know [what it means] for people to come to Melbourne and experience NBA talent firsthand - it's special for basketball but also sport in this country."

Sobey's Phoenix now head to New Zealand for a Sunday clash with the Breakers, tipping off at 2.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.