We hope you enjoy episode #15 of our Australian Basketball History series - an in depth interview with Ian Brown - a foundation member of the iconic St Kilda Basketball Club, where he played 900 games and served as club captain for 7 years.

In 1959, St Kilda entered a team in the "C" Grade competition of the Victorian Business Houses Amateur Basketball Association. The team was founded by a group of individuals who socialised together at the Hotel St. Kilda. Ian was a driving force, both as a player and on administrator, and played a major role in the development of St. Kilda.

Ian takes us through Australia's introduction to basketball at the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne; the establishment of Albert Park stadium (the largest in the southern hemisphere); the pioneering contributions of Ken and Betty Watson; St Kilda's fledgling years of the sixties to the highly successful 70s when the club attained the status of top club in Australia; the formation of the NBL in 1979 with Dr John Raschke OAM; the creation of Myths and Legends; and the great players and personalities along the way.  

Ian's achievements include playing 900 games for St Kilda; St Kilda club captain for 7 years; holding St Kilda's record for the most games played at the Victorian Championship level; coach of the Brisbane team in the first Australian Club Championship in Melbourne; assistant coach to Ken Cole; working for basketball in 3 states of Australia. 

Ian's recollection of Australian basketball history is second to none.  A great player, a sensational bloke, and a compelling story-teller, Ian still trains every week and plays basketball at all of our major masters basketball tournaments … at the age of 86!  

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.