The Past Meets the Present as Basketball Wales Honors Legends of the past and our current international players
Article by : Akshat Kandya
It was a night to remember at the Holland House Hotel this past Friday, as more than 200 members of the Welsh basketball community came together to celebrate and honour our national team players from the past season. Among the guests was special speaker and former Wales rugby international Ellis Jenkins, who inspired the next generation of athletes with his insights and experiences.
The evening provided a chance to celebrate the dedication of current and former players while also looking ahead to a bright future for Welsh basketball.
The event began with an opening speech from Basketball Wales Chair Mr Garmon Rhys, who welcomed players, coaches, team managers, parents, and families. He reflected on a busy year for the organisation, highlighting:
- The launch of a new Basketball Wales strategy
- A refreshed logo and brand identity
- Several staff appointments to strengthen capacity
- A new kit partnership with Nike and KitKing
Newly appointed Head of Performance Ryan Chambers hosted a Q&A with guest speaker Ellis Jenkins, who shared his journey as a high-performance athlete and international rugby player. Jenkins offered valuable advice to the young athletes present, encouraging them as they pursue their own international sporting ambitions.
Chief Operating Officer Gavin Williams acted as compère for the evening, beginning by recognising the tireless work of team managers, whose dedication supports every national squad.
Attention also turned to our officials who represented Wales at international Home Country tournaments this year. These opportunities allow referees, table officials, and statisticians to share best practice with colleagues from Scotland, England, and Ireland, bringing back valuable learning to strengthen officiating in Wales.
The first team to be presented on stage was the Wales Special Olympics Men’s Team, who competed in a Tri-Nations series at Cardiff Met University in February 2025. This marked the first Special Olympics international basketball event hosted by Basketball Wales, with plans to continue building this important fixture in future years.
A particularly moving moment came when Basketball Wales honoured former internationals who had never previously received their caps. Nine players, many of whom represented Wales as far back as the 1960s and played in the Rhondda Valleys, were formally recognised:
Paul Barclay, Phillip Jones, Ian Reynolds, Jimmy Reynolds, Wayne Jones, David Addis, Jeff Cowland, Brian Merry, and Eric Ricketts.
Following a three-course meal, attention turned to today’s international athletes. Players from the U14, U15, U17 boys and girls squads, along with the Senior Men’s team, were presented with their caps and certificates in recognition of their commitment and achievements.
The evening closed with a photoshoot session for players, coaches, and families, captured by Basketball Wales photographer John Smith, ensuring memories of this special night were preserved.
Reflecting on the occasion, Head of Performance Ryan Chambers said:
“It’s great to bring all the Basketball Wales community together to acknowledge the contribution of not only the recent players but also those who came before and have worn the red vest.”
The awards evening was a true celebration of the past, present, and future of Welsh basketball — a reminder of the sport’s rich history and an inspiration for the next generation to continue building the legacy.
To view the full gallery of this years annual awards night please click the link below
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