We hope you enjoy episode #16 of our Australian Basketball History series - an in depth interview with Willian "Butch" Hays - from humble beginning on the streets of LA; to the NBA; the NBL; and to representing Australia in the 'green and gold'.

We hope you enjoy episode #16 of our Australian Basketball History series - an in depth interview with Willian "Butch" Hays - from humble beginning on the streets of LA; to the NBA; the NBL; and to representing Australia in the 'green and gold'. The interview took place in Pesaro, Northern Italy, during the XII FIMBA MaxiBasketball European Championship in June 2024, where Butch represented Australia in our 60+ mens' team, for the first time in history. Butch talks about the tournament, the competitors and the team. At 61 years old, Butch takes us through his long and illustrious, international basketball career .. and the players and personalities he met along the way. Butch, a 193-centimetre (6 ft 4 in) point guard, grew up in South Central L.A. on West 75th Street in an area known for its street gangs and where he was located was directly between two of the gangs, the Bloods and Crips. He earned All-American honours while at St. Bernard High School and was awarded a scholarship with the University of California, Berkeley. After four years with the Golden Bears under the coaching of Dick Kuchen, Butch graduated as the Golden Bears' all-time leader in assists Butch, nominated for the 1984 NBA draft and was a 7th-round pick for the Chicago Bulls, who that year also drafted a player from North Carolina named Michael Jordan. As draftees, Butch and Jordan roomed together and actually lived together for six months, before Butch was released from his contract. Next, Butch talks about his international career including the Philippines, England, France, Scotland, and Korea. His international achievements including dropping 35 points against a young Drazen Petrovic. Butch also played in the Continental Basketball Association where in 1988 he signed with, the San Jose Jammers. After two years with the Jammers, Butch was then signed for two years as an import player by the Adelaide 36ers in Australia's National Basketball League. Butch then continued his storied NBL career as the starting point guard for the Wollongong Hawks, Newcastle Falcons, North Melbourne Giants and Canberra Canons before retiring from the NBL at the age of 41. Butch has an international reputation as a champion basketball player, and uses his motivational skills, understanding of team building and education as a counselor to help children and adults to achieve their full potential. He is an athlete, a coach, a CEO and an extraordinary and remarkable man.

 Remember to like, comment and subscribe … and feel free to reach out if you have any recommendations for interviews with people who have contributed to Australian basketball history.