Why NBA champion chose WA's South West as his escape
When you're seven feet tall like former Chicago Bulls star Luc Longley, poking at those hard-to-reach places around the house doesn't often require a ladder.
The three-time NBA champion — now based in Perth — has joined a host of recognisable Aussie sports personalities to star in the latest Kia Tasman ad premiering tonight during State of Origin in Perth.
Lacking the nimbleness of co-stars Ash Barty or former AFL gun Dane Swan, Longley is tasked with getting 'in the paint' as the famous figures give a run-down property some love.
Even Spanish tennis icon Rafael Nadal, who's no stranger to clay, offers to get his hands dirty. Dane Swan joins the party at Ash Barty's Kia Tasman-inspired home reno. Credit: Enthral
Unfortunately, Longley suggests, raking in rebounds and providing assists to former teammate Michael Jordan came a little more naturally than getting hands-on at home ever has.
Actually, it depends who you ask.
'It's funny, because my wife would say I'm really handy — my friends would say that I'm not,' he told The West Australian.
'I believe in horses for courses. If you want a job done right, you get a professional but I can turn my hand to anything, just probably do it badly, except, obviously for painting, because Ash (Barty) got the best.'
Relocating to Perth in the last couple of years with wife and celebrity chef Anna Gare, Longley spent decades escaping the bright lights of the court and stresses of life in WA's tranquil South West region. Elephant Rocks, William Bay National Park. Credit: Beau Jones @beahjones (Instagram)
In 1991, the 56-year-old purchased a property 15 minutes outside of Denmark upon turning professional.
'It was the first thing I bought with my professional basketball money. And I always wanted to have a sanctuary,' he said.
Claiming the town was 'much sleepier back then', the HoopsFest ambassador was attracted to the natural landscapes and close proximity to the ocean.
He even hosted fellow Sydney Kings co-owner Andrew Bogut, a fellow NBA champion, at his property recently as the pair took a dip in the majestic waters. But Longley wouldn't divulge all of his favourite hideaways.
'Secret spots aren't for giving up, but Greens Pool, Elephant Rocks, Madfish Bay, that whole chain of coast along there is for exploring, for sure,' he said. Andrew Bogut has represented Australia at the Olympics. Credit: METHODE / METHODE
Longley admitted the pair don't always see 'eye-to-eye', but respect what the other has achieved as two of the premier seven-foot exports to find success in the NBA.
As to who would win a one-on-one if each were in their prime, Longley is as curious to find out as the next Aussie basketball fan.
'I'd love to get in that time machine. Have a go at it,' he teased.
'I mean, he was quicker than me, which he'll happily tell you, so I probably would have had trouble with him in the in the full court, but I'd handle him in the half court. No worries.'
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