Chris Cassir has had a long and productive association with the Perth Basketball Association from 1973 to 2006, a period of thirty-three years.
He first began playing basketball with Kewdale in 1973 which was one of Perth’s junior clubs under coaches Stuart Mackay and Tony Ewing. He played junior basketball for Perth teams from U14 through to U18. He was soon to become a fast and hard-working guard who could shoot the ball and play serious defence while maintaining a reputation for fairness and sportsmanship throughout his playing days, no matter at what level he played.
Chris began playing senior basketball for Perth in 1978. He progressed through the senior grades and was the recipient of a number of awards in the teams he represented. These awards included a most consistent player in Division 1 in 1983, an MVP in Division 2 and an Association Fairest and Best in 1985. In 1988 he was the Most Valuable Player in Division 1 and was a member of the SBL team in 1989. He was awarded the Most Consistent player in Division 2 in 1990 and was again chosen as the most Consistent player in Division 2 in 1993. He played in every grade including A Grade level which was the fore-runner of our present SBL men’s team. He also played in the SBL and was a member of the 1989 championship SBL team.
Chris was also active on senior Men’s committee and Management Council from 1987 to 1990. In 1989 he enlisted the support of other members specifically to develop the PBA yearbook which was eventually replaced by the PBA website in 1998. In 1998 he was awarded a Medal of Honour for meritorious service to the Perth Basketball Association over a number of years.
Chris has been involved in coaching both at the Park Centre in one of our domestic competitions and in the Western Australian Basketball League. He has served as the U13 WABL girls’ coach and has been a member of the PBA WABL committee for several years. During the time of his involvement, the game of basketball has experienced highs and lows in popularity and development but in all that time Chris maintained his loyalty and commitment to our club and has provided playing and coaching opportunities for young and future players in what is a great team game and a firm foundation for a successful life.
Chris Cassir was awarded life membership of the Perth Redbacks in 2006.