MAL SMYTH - BASKETBALL LEGEND AT 70 YEARS AND STILL PLAYING!
Mal Smyth turned 70yrs last month and last week turned up again to play in another season at Diamond Valley Basketball Association.
This is Mal’s 20th year playing at Diamond Valley for the Bathroom Werx Sharks in the over 35’s competition. (Senior Men's league)
Mal began playing basketball in 1967 when he was just 19yrs old. 2 years after he started playing basketball he got drafted into the Army where he served his country for three years from 1969 to 1972. This included a 12 month tour in Vietnam in 1971. When Mal left the Army he became a carpenter/builder which he is still doing today.
Mal returned to basketball playing at Eltham from 1973 to1975. He then took time off to raise a family and returned in 1984 to play at Eltham again on Thursday nights. This also coached junior basketball for 10yrs at the Eltham Wildcats.
“It has been an enjoyable experience. I have met a whole range of people over the years which has been great. And today, well I still love the sport” says Mal.
When asked why he has the record for the highest number of fouls in the competition, Mal laughs it off and says : “... because I play tough basketball”.
Not bad for a 70 year old! He is certainly an inspiration for the rest of his team and also all the players in the Wednesday night SML competition at Diamond Valley.
Well done Mal!
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