The National Basketball League (NBL) has named Simon Davenport as its new general manager of marketing.

Davenport departs from his previous role as national advertising and communications manager with Officeworks after nearly six years with the company.

Prior, Davenport held senior marketing positions at Boost Juice and Kmart, as well as working with key clients such as Disney Pixar, Lee Jeans and Mattel as an account manager for Spin Communications.

Davenport said he was looking forward to joining the NBL during an exciting period of growth for Australian basketball.

“The NBL has gone from strength to strength since Larry Kestelman took over majority ownership in the 2015/16 season and it is on a strong upward trajectory.

“This season alone it has broken more attendance records, enjoyed strong growth in its broadcast audience and the NBL has now has established itself as a premier entertainment product and one of the best leagues in the world outside of the NBA.

“With record participation levels and huge interest in the game, there couldn’t be a better time to join the NBL”.

Davenport will be responsible for growing the NBL brand through marketing and promotions to encourage more fans and players to follow and get involved in the game. He will start his new role at the NBL on March 4.

The NBL currently boasts a crop of former and potential NBA talent, including Andrew Bogut of the Sydney Kings.

Bogut, who won an NBA Championship in 2015 as a member of the powerhouse Golden State Warriors, showed such faith in the Australian league that he signed a deal devoid of out clauses for him to move onto opportunities with the NBA or European leagues.