Aussie basketball team reports 12 players positive for COVID-19

SYDNEY - Australia's National Basketball League (NBL) revealed on Sunday that 12 members of the Melbourne United team had tested positive for COVID-19.

Another team, South East Melbourne Phoenix, was also placed in isolation while staff and players underwent tests.

The State of Victoria, of which Melbourne is the capital, is battling a resurgence of the virus which has seen infections skyrocket in the past month to over 6,500 active cases as of Monday.

NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said that the primary concern was for the health and welfare of the players, staff and their families, as well as the wider community.

"This is a challenging time for everyone concerned and we are working closely with the clubs and the Australian Basketball Players' Association to provide support for all those affected," Loeliger said.

Last week, United star Mitch McCarron, who also plays for the Australian national side, tested positive along with teammate Jo Lual-Acuil, with both men entering voluntary self-isolation.

While the official start of the 2020-21 NBL season was pushed back until December due to the pandemic, teams were continuing to train together in order to maintain fitness and skill.