TRIBUTES TO A CHAMP

Matthew Adekponya

He did a lot for me personally. Not many people know this but he helped me get to Europe. He linked me up with a former connection of his when he played in Spain, who is now an agent. Al vouched for me and his connection gave me a chance in Europe. I wouldn’t have had five seasons there without this first opportunity so I have all the time in the world for Al. During my time with the Taipans, him, Dusty Rychart and Jamar Wilson always looked out for us young guys. Especially holding us to a higher standard so we could continue to get better.

Mike Kelly

I just want to say thanks to Al. He’s been big time for our group and me, in particular. Our goal is to win games, and to win the championship. Every week we think we have that chance. I don’t think I’m stupid for thinking that all the time, but our record suggests otherwise. But, Al has been right there, step by step with me. I knew he was in lockstep which helped the rest of this group be in lockstep as we have continued to fight through every game this season. I really appreciate not only his whole career, which has been fantastic, but the way he’s helped me and helped this club through this transition year.

Dusty Rychart

He just went out of his way to bring the team together. After practice he would get everyone in a circle to talk and that would bring unity to the group. I remember his quirky nature more than anything, his everyday love for life. He is an all around good guy, great locker room guy and a great teammate to be around. He was a great player but he was always thinking about ways to bring the team together with out-of-the-box ideas. You cannot fault his passion for the orange and the community.

Matt Burston

Everyone sees him out on the court and that is not a fake persona he puts on, he lives and breathes orange. Everything he does is for the betterment of the club. As a leader, he can address the group as a whole but he can also spend time one-on-one with another player. Everything he does, he has the playing group and the team in the back of his mind with the way he does it. He was the best captain I ever played under in my NBL career.