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Post by allendixon on Apr 27, 2023 11:59:48 GMT
Mohawks with Bucci, Perkins et al were the best team I have seen/known in D1 over the years. They were a BBL team in everything but name and would not have been near the bottom even in the Budweiser league days. City of Sheffield Arrows (now Derbyshire) were a close second when Ryan Patton, Todd Cauthorn, Mike Payne, Garnet Gayle et al were another team close to being unbeaten (I believe they lost a cup final on a last second shot to Reading that year). Both were, IMO, better than either the unbeaten Reading team (who were extremely good) and the recent Solent squads. I have not managed to see Hemel this year but if they are anywhere near as good as any of those squads that’s a huge achievement to them. I remember meeting Ralph Bucci when he arrived he had just played in a college cup final in front 20000 people, fantastic player and a great guy to have a conversation with. Absolutely fantastic player - arguably best import signing outside of BBL ever. Evidenced by season in D2 (allegedly toward end of his career) where he was top in every statistical category if memory serves (literally everything!). Then went to BBL for first time and was still fantastic. Only had a brief conversation with him once, but have to say seemed like a better person than player and that is saying a lot. |
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Post by SamH on Apr 27, 2023 17:20:55 GMT
I always wondered why Bucci didn't try to play at a higher level really. Only other player I can think of who was on that kind of level was Alfredo Ott, who I believe went on to play in Spain for 6 figure salaries each year.
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Post by allendixon on Apr 27, 2023 18:05:08 GMT
It sounds like I am a Ralph Bucci stalker, which I can confirm
I am not, but I know he did play 7 years in Greece after gaining his UK passport. He then came back and played for Teeside and then Durham in BBL as a 40 year old. The 7 years in A1/A2 is impressive enough, but kudos for the playing at 40!
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Post by SamH on Apr 27, 2023 19:29:51 GMT
Ah ok well I imagine he was well paid in Greece, there's good basketball out there. What's he up to now, do you know? I often wonder what becomes of players after they retire.
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Post by tony on Apr 28, 2023 8:52:52 GMT
Ah ok well I imagine he was well paid in Greece, there's good basketball out there. What's he up to now, do you know? I often wonder what becomes of players after they retire. He moved back to the states he has a wife and 2 boys, he is a Mohawks ambassador and hopefully when we get out of division 3 he can recommend some players to us. |
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