Welcome to the 6th Philips WICB Championships
This New year Tournament has always been one of the highlights of the Philips Electronics Sports Sponsorship programme. The spirit of friendship which exists withing this tournament alondside the obvious competition displayed on the court, the unique blend of domestic and foreign clubs competing in Senior Men, Women and Junior Men classifications for the title of PHILIPS WICB CHAMPIONS, is a tribute to all those involved with the sport of Basketball, and in particular the organisation and presnetation of these Championships.
To the competitors, officials and spectators alike, we hope you share our enthusiasm and enjoyment of the Philips Electronics WICB Championships.
A happy New Year to you all.
Philips – Tournament Sponsor |
David Last – Tournament Director |
Penny Last – Assistant Director |
Pete Jaques – Captain of Officials |
Joanna Sheldon – Arena Promoter |
Ed Percival – Announcer |
Simon Reed – Announcer |
John Collins – Announcer |
John Atkinson – Stats |
Michael Hayles – Player – Crystal Palace |
Joe White – Player – Crystal Palace |
Pete Jeremich – Player – Crystal Palace |
Joel Moore – Player – Crystal Palace |
Steve Bontrager – Player – Athletes in Action |
Harvey Knuckles – Player – Ovaltine |
Jeff Jones – Player – Warrington Vikings |
Mike Griffiths – Player – Warrington Vikings |
TJ Robinson – Player – Solent Stars |
Carl Tatham – Player – Solent Stars |
Alton Byrd – Player – Murray International |
Ralton Way – Player – Murray International |
Maccabi Tel-Aviv – Team |
Red Star Belgrade – Team |
There are numerous other names involved in this tournament but this will have to do for now.
According to hand written notes in the programme, the tournament was won by Maccabi Tel-Aviv who defeated Crystal Palace 64-60 in the Final.
Comments: 6
Andrew Ingram
8 October 2016 at 21:53
Mike, I was there and it brings back extremely fond memories – a time when British Basketball was at an all time high – tremendous British players, outstanding imports and I am sure such levels are likely to not be achieved again.
I was fortunate enough to play for Crystal Palace many years ago, in and around the early 80’s, and it does sadden me that sufficient funding pretty much stunted the development of such a wonderful sport.
Yours in BBall,
Andrew
Michael Atkin
31 March 2017 at 09:38
Those were the days. I was lucky enough to be part of the team of statisticians assembled by the legendary John Atkinson. After a Team Talbot v C Palace match he generously spent the train journey from Guildford giving me advice on how to improve. At the WICB if we weren’t working a game we’d be completing the analysis of an earlier game, it was a bit hectic. My abiding memory is of the inclusivity- men, women, juniors and wheelchair basketball.
David Rogerson
30 August 2017 at 22:54
Hi Michael
Totally agree with you. I have to say a big thank-you to your parents for putting me up on a number of occasions. Working those paper break down sheets was a real pain. So it’s fortunate that computers have come to our aid….even though John doesn’t really like them very much! How things have changed since the 1980’s!! Far better Teams in the past.
Andy Brown
28 December 2017 at 21:48
Hi Mike,
I played for Guildford/Bracknell Pirates in the ’80s and we played in the 1984 WICB against Milan who had the current Houston Rockets coach, Mike D’Antoni starting at point guard. A great tournament. Great memories.
Michael Atkin
23 April 2018 at 11:45
Hi Andy, if i may be allowed such familiarity!
of course i remember you playing for Team Talbot. if you look at the above website/b;og you can see what i am up to! if i copied it correctly the link below should be an interesting picture
https://teamtalbotguildford.wordpress.com/2017/07/19/photograph-from-198182/
I remember Mike D’Antoni well. i cant recall the year, nor the opposition (that’ll be embarrassing if you were coaching), but Milan were losing, seconds remained, they committed a foul. The recording of the foul complete D’Antoni launcjed a long pass befor the defense was set, Milan got 2 points, we gave D’Antoni the assist… and his fifth foul!!Havinvg fouled out he threw the pass and hoped no-one would notice!.
Please do get in touch – I’ll have many questions. So far i have re-connected with Barry Hitchcock and Alaistair Russell
Cheers, Mike
Andy Brown
28 December 2018 at 22:52
Hi Mike, Sorry for not getting back to you sooner? We ( Bracknell Pirates coached by Jack Lehane) were playing ying Milan in that game! Because of what D’Antoni did to win the game we appealed and the game was replayed the next morning. Best wishes Andy Brown