The calendar cannot tick over to 2021 quick enough for Ballarat NBL1 South basketballers Claire Constable and Jordan Lindgard.
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All the Selkirk Rush and Hotondo Miners players want to do is get out on the new Ballarat Sports and Events Centre showcourt for a first full NBL1 season.
That was set to happen this year before COVID-19 raised its ugly head and the longer than expected wait to play in the new facility has made the prospect all the more exciting.
Constable said she could not wait to get back on the court.
"We haven't had a chance to play here in front of our great fans here yet."
With the season expected to start in March, Constable said Rush players had this week had their first court session.
She said while with some COVID-19 restrictions still in place it had been a low-key get together, it was good to get on court with teammates.
"We've had a few casual sessions just to get some touch back." She expects full-scale training to begin at the end of January.
Constable said she could not wait to get back into some proper workouts with teammates. "We're all really hungry to get back on the court. We can't wait."
The much-travelled Lingard, who grew up in Colac, is eager to launch into his second season with the Miners.
" I am ecstatic to get back onto this court.
"We have a brand new stadium and I just want to get out there with the boys."
Lingard said he had learnt so much in his first season with the Miners, playing under thre guidance of Brendan Joyce, and with and against top athlete.
"It was such an unreal experience - a great learning curve."
Constable and Lingard were on hand on Tuesday for the announcement of the Rush and Miners number one ticket-holders - State Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and Olympian Steve Moneghetti.
This is the third year Addison has held the distinction for Rush, while for Moneghetti has had the privilege for the Miners as long as he can remember.
Addison said she was proud to be get behind Rush again next year.
"As a parent of a junior basketballer and a former local player, I know firsthand that our elite Rush athletes are role models for our junior basketballers.
"I thank the Ballarat Basketball Association for the great honour and look forward to lots of exciting games at BSEC," she said.
Moneghetti said he and his family had had a great deal of enjoyment watching Rush and the Miners playing.
"The adrenalin, the action, the entertainment all combine to make it a fantastic experience," he said.
