HE HAS been courtside at Adelaide Arena for every memorable moment of Adelaide 36ers’ march to the NBL grand final.
But Murray the Magpie will not be flying east for the club’s championship-decider against Melbourne United at Hisense Arena on Saturday night.
The Sixers mascot has entertained fans and revved up players with his colourful sideline antics at each home match this season, including last Sunday’s nine-point Game Four triumph.
Adelaide general manager Joe Tertzakian says Murray is unable to make the 727km flight across the border as he already had Easter commitments with his feathered friends.
“Murray is part of our family,” Tertzakian says.
“If he could be there courtside in Melbourne, we would love to have him with us.
“It would be a lot of fun, but unfortunately he can’t make it.”
There are no NBL rules preventing visiting team mascots from being courtside during away games.
Although most, including Murray, prefer to strut their stuff on home turf.
Joe says Murray, who does not talk but once made a reverse half-court shot in a half-time show, would be supporting the Sixers from afar.
“I’m 100 per cent confident he’ll be cheering the team on from back here,” Joe says.
“Hopefully he’ll be rallying fans at the Arkaba (Hotel) on Saturday.”
While Murray won’t be courtside, seven of the Sixers cheerleaders are on their way to Melbourne – out of their own pocket – to support the boys, though they’ll only be cheering from the stands.
Adelaide supporters can celebrate – or commiserate – with the team tomorrow at the club’s fan day at Adelaide Arena from 3pm.
