Firstly we should not miss the opportunity to congratulate Head Coach Matt Newby and his Worcester Wolves on their stunning success.
Congratulations also to the legend that is Len Busch and his Sevenoaks Suns for winning yet another trophy.
Earlier in the week news came through that Scottish/British Basketball Star Robert Archibald had passed away aged just 39.
Arena Birmingham came together before the start of the Men’s Final to pay tribute to a giant who started out his Basketball career on the courts of his hometown Paisley in Scotland.
He’d come from good stock as his father Bobby, had his own sterling career going on to captain his country on numerous occasions.
From those humble beginnings, Robert made it all the way to the NBA, a feat achieved by very few from these septered isles.
Before the start of the BBL Cup Final, another record breaking crowd at Arena Birmingham stood to pay tribute to one of our own!
Little did we know that before most of us got home that evening, Kobe would also be dead.
Elsewhere on mikeshaft.com you are able to read about the American Olympic Team of 2012 coming to Manchester Arena and playing against The Great Britain Men’s team as both prepared to compete at the London 2012 Olympics.
Despite a heavy defeat for the home team it was a joyous event and just wonderful to see so many of my favourite NBA players on our court here in Manchester.
Of-course, the USA Team would go on to win Olympic Gold again.
That team included Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Durant and many other basket balling superstars.
This weekend every British Basketball League (BBL) club with a home game will pay tribute to two Basketball greats Robert Archibald and Kobe Bryant.
May they rest in peace, and rise in Glory!
I get to pay tribute twice, once at the B Braun Sharks Sheffield on Friday and then at Cheshire Phoenix on Sunday.
I will also quietly remember all of those who were killed in that helicopter crash, and all of their family and friends left behind.
In the midst of life…There is death!
Comments: 2
Bobby Kinzer
30 January 2020 at 14:51
I remember Bobby Archibald when his father would bring him to the games as a little boy. He had achieved one of the greatest feats that any ball player would want to achieve. The Basketball mountain top, the NBA! So many have tried but did not succeed. A remarkable feat from a modest and appreciative Scot. My deepest sympathy goes to Heather and Bobby! The documentary the NBA produced on Bobby Archibald could’ve been more timely!
RIP Kobe! One of the greatest that ever played the game. His legacy and work ethic on and off the court will go unmatched! Truly a class act!
Gone to soon! 🏀🏆🙏
Shafty
30 January 2020 at 22:36
Hi there Bobby it’s wonderful of you to write this. Man it’s been a tough week! Many blessings!