Fans have to wait longer before they see Filipino Kai Sotto debut in Australia for the Adelaide 36ers as the National Basketball League (NBL) pushed back its season opener to December.

Originally slated to launch on November 18, the league moved its tip-off on December 3, with Sotto and the 36ers kicking off the season in a road game against the Tasmania JackJumpers, the newest NBL franchise.

NBL commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said the league opted to postpone the season to “prioritize having our growing number of fans courtside.”

“The NBL is a fan-first product and playing in front of crowds is vital for the league and our clubs,” Loeliger said in a statement.

“Giving supporters an even better chance of seeing their teams compete at home was a key driver in moving things back slightly and in how we’ve structure the schedule,” he added.

After battling Tasmania, Adelaide will host its first home game on December 5 against the Brisbane Bullets.

The 36ers underwent a major revamp in the offseason by acquiring a mix of veterans and young standouts.

Aside from Sotto, Adelaide also tapped the services of Tad Dufelmeier, Dusty Hannahs, Mojave King, Emmanuel Malou, and Todd Withers.

The 36ers also signed six-time NBL champion CJ Bruton as their head coach.

“We are very much looking forward to seeing our fans back at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre supporting CJ and the team,” Adelaide 36ers chairman and owner Grant Kelley said.

“We have an exciting roster of youth and experience who will play offensive basketball and challenge for this season’s NBL title.” – Rappler.com