At the 2024 Pan Pacific Masters Games 2024, Myths and Legends Australia initiated the formation of a working group from Masters clubs from the different States and Territories, across Australia. The group discussed the lack of co-ordination from the Basketball Australia and State-based bodies, and Associations and workshopped with what was required to get Masters Basketball better structured and supported in this country.
We hope you enjoy episode #12 of our Australian Basketball History series - an in-depth interview with Peter Patterson, the driving force behind Australia's first ever masters basketball tournament, and the first ever member of Myths and Legends Australia.
We sat down with 78-year-old Peter to talk about the inaugural Australian master's basketball tournament held in Launceston Tasmania in 1987, the players and personalities of the day.
Peter takes us through the Myths and Legends origin story, and his recollections of how the club was founded and evolved.
Peter is a superb storyteller, and a sensational human being.
We hope you enjoy episode #13 of our Australian Basketball History series - an in depth interview with basketball visionary, Ned "Neddo" Coten.
We sat down with Neddo to get the inside scoop on Australia's performance at the 2023 World FIMBA Maxiball Championships, the largest masters basketball tournament in the world. He walks us through the key findings of the most comprehensive report ever compiled on masters basketball; talks about why Australia is behind other countries; and articulates a vision for the future of the sport.
We take a stroll down memory lane, as Neddo reflects on his basketball and business careers … from concrete courts in regional WA, to his role as President and Chair of the Board of Basketball Australia. Along the say, we remember some of his favourite players, coaches, games and memories.
Neddo is an Australian basketball visionary. He has performed at the highest levels of the sport, both on and off the court … and continues to challenge himself and those around him to be the best that they can be.
We hope you enjoy episode #11 of our Australian Basketball History series - a compelling interview with one of Australia's all-time favourite basketballers, Andrew "Parky" Parkinson.
George sat down with Parky to get an update on his ongoing fight against the rare and highly malignant form of cancer, that he was diagnosed with, in 2019. Parky praises the basketball community that rallied to his side; talks about the people and insights that inspired him along the way; and the role that basketball plays in his ongoing fight.
We hope you enjoy episode #10 of our Australian Basketball History series – an in-depth interview with Australia's second oldest player, Des de Kretser.
We sat down with 89 year old Des to talk about his early days at Camberwell Boys Grammar; Melbourne's Business Houses and Church competitions; and the players and personalities of the day. Des talks about playing with Lindsay, Tony and Barry Gaze; his recollections of Mr. Basketball, Ken Watson; coaching Australian youth teams; his long and unwavering commitment to domestic and international Masters basketball; and his plans to compete in the 2024 Pan Pacific Games at 90 years of age!
Des is an incredible statesman for Australian basketball and an absolute gentleman.
To watch Des's interview, please click on the link below:
