Pickering
Source: Santa Barbara Court of Champions
The Santa Barbara Basketball Court of Champions announce five new inductee’s into the Class of 2018.
Ron Anderson, a 6’7 forward who played his first two college seasons at Santa Barbara City College is one of the newest members. Anderson continued his playing career at Fresno State, helping lead his Bulldog squad to the NIT finals and followed that by carving out a 10-year career in the NBA. He also starred in the French professional “A” league until retiring in 2010 at the age of 52.
Tom Byron was the head basketball coach and athletic director at Westmont College. His life and career were shortened when he was stricken with terminal cancer during the 1971-72 season. The day after he died, at the age of 43, his Warrior squad dedicated the game to him and proceeded to upset 14th ranked University of Hawaii, a division one program. The Tom Byron Classic Tournament is held annually to honor his dedicated life and career.
Mort Hill played his collegiate ball for the University of California Santa Barbara Gaucho’s. He was the first Gaucho to play in the NBA, handling guard duties for the Syracuse Nationals in 1946-47. During his 4 years at UCSB, 1939-43, he helped lead his team to the 32 team NAIA national tournament, advancing to the semi-finals.
Shirley Zion Otto has been a resident of Santa Barbara since 1964. She was franchise owner of the Santa Barbara Islanders for the 1989-90 season. The continental basketball association team broke many team records that still stand today. The CBA existed for over 70 years. The Islanders won a record 37 games during it’s initial expansion campaign; most points per game; 123.7, most total points: 8671 and sent 10 roster players up to NBA rosters. Shirley has also supported basketball programs at all levels in the community.
Doug Rex was a superior post player for the UCSB Gaucho’s from 1968 to 1972. He was the team captain and MVP each of his four years, while also being selected first team each of his final three years in the Pacific Coast Athletic Association. The Alemany High School product still ranks as an All-Time Gaucho Top Ten Leader in both offensive and defensive categories. He was drafted by the Houston Rockets in 1972 but chose to serve as assistant coach for the Gaucho’s for several years.
The Santa Barbara Basketball Court of Champions was established in 2014 to recognize and honor individuals who have achieved or made significant contributions to the game of basketball in our Santa Barbara community. Sixty-Seven members have been inducted during its 5 years of existence
