Two Nelsonians have been inducted into the New Zealand Basketball Hall of Fame in it’s first year.
Former local player Irone Brough and official Brydon Harvey stood up on the Wellington stage and were recognised for their achievements and contributions on Saturday night.
Irone and Brydon were among the 14 inducted at the Basketball New Zealand Awards ceremony.
Irone was a member of the New Zealand Women’s Basketball teams in 1950, captain from 1957 through to 1960 and the coach in 1965 and 1967.
Irone was on the executive of the New Zealand Women’s Indoor Basketball Association and the New Zealand Basketball Federation and was heavily involved in the administration of Nelson basketball for many years.
Brydon was a coach, player, selector, administrator, and a basketball journalist for 50 years, but he is most well-known for his 64 years of refereeing.
Brydon spent 20 years on the executive of the Nelson Basketball Association.
He was the first and only New Zealander to have refereed at two Olympics; 1956 in Melbourne and 1960 in Rome.
In 1984, Harvey was awarded the New Zealand Basketball Federation Reporter of the Year.
Five years later, he was inducted as a Life Member of the Basketball Referees Association of New Zealand. He also received the Sir Lance Cross Award in 1990 and was awarded an MBE in 1984.
Basketball New Zealand Chief Executive, Iain Potter, said the awards recognise some of the dedicated individuals throughout the country who embody the true spirit of basketball.
“Basketball in New Zealand is continuing to see strong growth, and that is partly due to the likes of those who support and love the game. Our Annual awards recognise the achievements of people within the basketball community, and individuals who help make our game better, stronger and so enjoyable to be a part of.”
This was also the first year that Basketball New Zealand established the Basketball New Zealand Hall of Fame, which Iain says was long overdue.
“If you look at the inductees, and read about their achievements and dedication, there’s an impressive group there. In part, this is to recognise them, but also to invest New Zealand’s basketball history and to tell that story for years to come.”