Wheelchair Basketball: Past, Present and Future

The 2018 IWBF World Championships of Wheelchair Basketball began on August 16th in Hamburg, Germany. This is a basketball only competition, which makes it different from the Paralympics. It is purer and focused solely on the highly popular sport that takes place on the hardwood (94’ long x 50’ wide to be exact).

As a National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) Board Member, and an alumnus of Team USA (member of 3 World Championship Teams), Worlds marks a very special time for me. As a Board Member, I can proudly watch the elite athletes of our Association on the world stage. As an athlete, I’ve had the chance to compete with several players on the 2018 Men’s Team, so I’m also cheering on my brothers. This squad is (deservedly) riding high off of their Rio Gold Medal performance, having ended a Paralympic Gold Medal drought dating back to Seoul 1988.
This Men’s Team is hoping to end another Gold Medal drought. The USA Men’s Team hasn’t won World Championship Gold since 2002. Despite the NWBA Junior and Collegiate Division infrastructure being unrivaled anywhere in the world, the strength of the international game has produced many other successful programs (Australia, Canada, GB, Spain, etc.). Clearly, it doesn’t matter if you can assemble a roster full of stars and players with star potential.

Australia’s Michael Hartnett, left, tries to block United States’ captain William Waller, right, during a men’s Group A preliminary wheelchair basketball game at the 2012 Paralympics in London, Sunday, Sept. 2, 2012. Australia won 65-49. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

Success on this level has more to do with assembling the best team, which is a different proposition altogether. The staff and players have made the necessary sacrifices and put in all the work, more than any quadrennial (4-year period) I can remember. They’re functioning as a TEAM! I’m truly excited to see how the Men and Women (a much more youthful team) do in Hamburg.

But, I cannot help but also think about the future. I recently took part in an annual clinic, one that has occurred in Northeast Ohio during May each of the last several years. The turnout at this year’s clinic was the highest we have had. In addition to the nearly 40 players, we also had 5 Paralympians sharing their knowledge of the game, and their life experiences. The image of Paralympians giving back proves the future of our sport is bright.

I cannot help but wonder if any of the athletes in attendance will one day work their way onto the world stage. One of my most memorable experiences has been listening to the National Anthem play after a Gold Medal Ceremony. I tend to think I’ll get the same goose-bumps if one of the kids I’ve taught works their way onto the podium and has the same tears in their eyes that I once did.

Man, I love this game!