2014 LIFE MEMBERS On the same night the club celebrated the awarding of the individual player awards and the 2014 Men’s SBL Championship, the East Perth District Basketball Association (EPDBA) awarded Life Membership to two very deserving people in Neville Robb and John Taylor. Neville Robb Neville is a past player of the club who has gone on to provide over 10 years of service to the club as a Coach and Assistant Coach at WABL and Junior Domestic Competition level. Neville’s Life Membership Medallion was presented by EPDBA Managing Director, Anthony Fletcher who recalled coaching with Neville when their daughters were playing together in the WABL competition. Neville started at East Perth in 1977 before playing A Grade (pre-SBL) from 1978 to 1986 with Championships in 1980 and 1983. After a hiatus away from the club Neville re-joined the club in 1990 and played out the remainder of his SBL career with East Perth until 1992 when a knee injury stopped him playing. Neville’s playing career highlights included State Team representation from Under 16’s through to WA State Men’s Team in 1981. He was also a member of the Australian Under 20 Team in 1980. In 1982 and 1983 Neville was an inaugural player for the Perth Wildcats. Neville started coaching his daughters’ teams in the Junior Domestic Competition at East Perth in the early 2000’s. His WABL Coaching Career at East Perth started in 2003 when he coached the Under 13 and Under 16 Women teams and he continued in the Women’s program coaching two teams at a time until 2008 when he coached the Under 18 Women team. In 2009 with his son’s involvement he became involved in the Men’s program coaching the Under 13 Men and his coaching involvement continued right up to last season where he assisted with the Under 18/1 Men team. There were many final appearances during Neville’s coaching career including a Championship with the Under 15 Men in 2011 where he was assistant to current Men’s SBL Head Coach, Adam Forde. Neville was also the Coach for the 2010 Under 14 Men Touring Team that played at the National Club Championships in Canberra, ACT. John Taylor John, or JT as he is known at the Club, recently retired from SBL after winning the 2014 SBL Championship. JT’s Life Member Medallion was presented by his former teammate and Life Member, Aaron Wigg. Aaron recalled JT’s first appearance at SBL training when he turned up in his basketball gear with skinny legs and a wild ‘Afro’ hair style. Aaron also talked about JT’s involvement at the club and his many achievements over a long period. JT played his junior, WABL and SBL basketball at East Perth. He has also coached teams in the Junior Competition at East Perth and is always happy to appear on Grand Final days to assist with the presentations which ensured a link between SBL and the rest of the club. JT’s SBL career started at East Perth in 2004 and in the 11 seasons with the Eagles he played 257 SBL games. In 2008 John was the Eagles’ Basketballer of the Year averaging over 20 points per game at a goal field percentage of 49% and a three point percentage of 40% with over 4 assists per game. In 2008 JT attended the NBL Prospects camp in the Eastern States. John was at East Perth during a very lean time and even after a severe ankle injury he continued playing with the club as it focused on sustained success, which in the end saw him in the 2014 Championship winning team taking the final shot of the game. In his acceptance speech JT was already reminiscing about the last few minutes of the 2014 SBL Championship game. With the Eagles’ fans chanting “JT” in Coach Forde’s ears, JT was subbed into the game. JT wanted to finish on a high and with seconds left on the clock the Grand Final MVP, Joe-Alan Tupaea passed the ball to JT on the wing who was going to take the three point shot. Unfortunately a Geraldton player decided to defend the shot. Not to be denied JT drove to the basket and with a step back shot JT made the two which was nothing but net. JT was already celebrating with the crowd before the shot had reached the top of its arc, as JT said “it was always going in”. Congratulations to Neville and John on attaining Life Membership and thank you for your service to the club over many years. We look forward to your continued involvement with the Club.
Posted on: Thu, 09 Oct 2014 12:12:50 +0000
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