It was handshakes all round as Knox scooped the pool, picking up awards for Victoria’s Basketball Association of the Year, Victoria’s Basketball Administrator of the Year (Laurie Joyce), Victoria’s Best Referees Program and Victoria’s Best Media Coverage.
Knox Basketball’s Chairman Bill Fenton was delighted with the haul of awards and thanked everyone involved at the association for another top year.
"This recognition is for everyone at Knox who continually strive hard for success, professionalism and, more importantly, to raise the bar for basketball across the state," beamed Fenton.
"Laurie and his administrative team have again been recognised for their efforts, as have our referees and our increased media coverage, but the award for being Victoria’s Best Association has been well earned by everyone at Knox.
"It’s a great place to be involved and as chairman I’m just so proud of our people and their passion for the game."
For Joyce, who also won the administrator’s award last year, the feeling was one of achievement, particularly given the association had gone through so much change during 2006.
"When you look at how much we lifted our own standards during 2006, just the way we went about improving our structure and the basketball programs, I see these awards as being more about that," said Joyce.
"Yes, it’s great to be recognised by your peers, but I’m very proud of the association at large and the way in which everyone strives to be better. It’s a very positive environment."
It was also the second year running that Knox had picked up the award for Victoria’s Best Referees Program, while the Media Award was for The Basketball Hour, which Knox runs on radio station, 98.1 Eastern FM.
"We keep saying it….basketball in Melbourne’s eastern region is huge, and it continues to grow every year," said Joyce, adding, "I think sponsors and government departments are starting to recognise that growth."