Learned to play basketball at the YMCA in Brisbane in early teens.
Began competition basketball at University of Queensland in 1964.
Not my only sport – also played rugby and rowed with high school, college and university crews.
Started in C Grade at University, reached A Grade in 1967.
1968-1973
Worked in the bush 1968-69 – no basketball
Returned to Brisbane in 1970, back to UQ Basketball in C Grade.
Won the C grade premiership easily.
Back to A Grade from 1971 to mid-1973.
1973-1978
Moved to Blackwater (Central QLD coalfields), 1973. No basketball available.
Formed 2 men’s and 2 women’s teams, travelling an hour each way to Emerald to play games.
With support from the coal mines, council and players we built 3 floodlit outdoor courts and a club house.
When I left Blackwater in 1978, the basketball competition in Blackwater had grown to 40 teams of (men, women, juniors).
Sadly, it collapsed in the 1990s due to the 12-hour mine shifts and 7-day rosters
1978-1981
Returned to Brisbane in1978, cancelled by my first wife and met my 2nd wife 2 weeks later.
1978 and back to the Uni of Qld A Grade team.
1979 - Became president of Brisbane Basketball and asked if I would be the Vice President. I accepted, the current president then resigned, and l Left me in the hot seat
1979 - Start of the NBL and formation of the Brisbane Bullets. We brought Dan Hickett (6’10” Utah) and Calvin Bruton (New York) to Brisbane for the Bullets. A very busy year.
1980 - President of the University of Queensland Basketball Club.
1981 -Moved to Sydney – new job, second wife, first child. Played with Bankstown and with the YMCA Alexandria.
1986 - I returned to Brisban at age 40. Working away from home too much to play regularly - only the odd pickup game.
1999 - I Started the inaugural Veterans competition (35+) at Auchenflower. 6 teams, Wednesday nights. I was 54 coming back to competitive basketball. Learned a lot about calf strains/muscles and stretching.
I was asked to look after one of the Vets teams – Dad’s Army.
Still organising and playing today at 80 years of age. Being the organizer helps me get court time.
The 40 and 50-year-olds are getting faster. Learning to come off the bench rather than starting 5.
The Vets competition at Auchenflower continues to grow stronger with 16 teams across two grades with other teams waiting to join.
We have a shortage of courts with only 4 courts at Auchenflower for all grades and clubs and several local high school courts are used as well.
There are now some 30 Vets teams at Carina in the eastern suburbs of Brisbane over 4 levels. Some of our players are playing in both competitions.
Myths & Legends
2005
I wanted to attend the World Masters Games (Canada) but there were not enough players in Brisbane interested or in the 60+ age group to form a team. It was suggested I try Myths and Legends.
I played in Canada with the M&L 60+ team – Brian Hennig, Jack Gibson, Bruno Fossati, Frank Stapleton et al. I have since then been playing with M&L teams at Australian Masters, Pan Pacs, World Masters, FIMBA, Yarrum, Bulleen,and Korumburra
Played with M&L in one trip to Guam and 2 trips to Manila, Philippines.
Great people to play with and great organisation. Have made many friends.
