Utley makes it 500

Very rarely have I gotten the opportunity to cover something like this (Usually Whopper gets the gig purely for his amazing sense of humour and history in the League!) So hopefully D Russell I do you proud with this effort.

 

When you mention the name Mark Utley in SBL Circles – People automatically think of the folically (Yes that’s a word now… I will take the accolades for it too!) challenged head coach of the Flames Men’s team who has a tendency of riding the refs more than D Oliver on a favourite in the Cox Plate… What they don’t see is a great club man, loving father and someone who wears his heart on his sleeve and tells it like it is. ‘Mutley’ started in the League in 1990 when he had a considerable mop on his head as a teenager running around for the Stirling Senators. Since those humble beginnings, and a lot of departed hair later – It has seen him play over 250 SBL games at the Senators, Buccs & Magic, and also coach over 200 games at the Magic & Flames. This Saturday night at The Hothouse will be Mark’s 500th Game in the League either as a Player or Coach. It is an amazing achievement that has definitely had its ups and downs but through it all he has maintained a passion and a love for the game that would be hard to surpass. You only have to see his work over the past few years down at Rockingham to understand how much he loves the game, and even more so giving back to the game – Mentoring many of the Flames up and coming young Men in their WABL program whilst still leading the clubs SBL team as well as on occasion suiting up in their D League team!

 

I caught up with Mark to discuss his time in the League as well as some of his fondest memories and what still drives him after 26 years in the SBL:

 

T.Y – 500 Games is an amazing achievement. Looking back what have been the highlights for you since your debut in 1990?

M.U – My highlights are probably unusual for a lot of people to believe, my actual highlight has been getting to know all the people I come in contact with around the SBL for nearly thirty years. I haven't won a grand final at this stage and obviously that will be when or if I do.
I was sitting back and thinking the other day about the people who are in SBL today that were there in 1990 and I think I could only come up with a handful, it has changed a lot since then.

 

T.Y – As a bright eyed teenager heading into your first season in 1990, what are some of your memories starting out in the League?

M.U – The league was a lot more amateur then but the crowds at newly formed Mandurah, Albany, Gero and Kal were huge. At Stirling we had an experienced team and I was chief bench supporter. We came from 7th to make the grand final after beating Mandurah and Gero away from home in what still is the loudest noises I have ever heard in basketball including NBL. Mandurah had a stand to the roof and Gero had a group sit beside your bench in the corner abusing you. It was great. We eventually lost to what I consider the SBL’s greatest ever team in the Grand Final. They had Luc Longley who went on as a starter at New Mexico (NCAA) and then of course to the Chicago Bulls second three-peat in the NBA. Andrew Vlahov (Who went onto Stanford – NCAA and then the Wildcats in the NBL) as captain. Both in the Australian Boomers. Two imports including my good friend CJ Jackson and a good point guard import; A Wildcat; Talented locals; We had to leave a 50% three point shooter in Ian Frame ‘open’ to double their Stars Haha

 

T.Y – Over the years the SBL has seen some amazing players come and go, who would you rank in your all-time Top 3 players that you have had the chance to play or coach against?

M.U – (1)John Pierce - All time college leading scorer at the time and MVP
(2) Donald Whiteside - My coach told me I did a great defensive job on him and he scored 42! He then went on to play in the NBA
(3) James Fitch - People forget how good James was at the defensive end. Out of Idaho because of his great defensive game

But there are so many - Dan Hunt, Vince Kelley, Calvin ‘Doc’ Earl all were great

To Coach the three best are:

(1) Cooper Land - Although I wish he was an Ivy Leaguer and made better decisions
(2) Chris Stephens - Averaged I think close to 50 until a bizarre disorder meant he couldn't pull up in transition in the finals
(3) Tied - Taylor land and Casey Miholovich - Both of these guys just do what it takes to win and basically coach themselves and the team whenever they are on the court
What would have been more fun was if you asked me who the worst imports were and why? That would have been a great read!

 

T.Y – Who have been your biggest influences as a Coach in the SBL and name one coach that you always enjoyed coaching against for the challenge / camaraderie?

M.U – I believe no one coaching style is correct that's why I respect all coaches. It's an area people forget - SBL coaches are easily burnt out with the wave of responsibilities. I think I get on with most coaches. I did like when Alan Black gave me pizza to play a pre-season match, haha! John Gardiner was always hard to coach against and an outstanding coach, as a Stirling junior we didn't like Perry Lakes and John was there figurehead but when I took over at Rockingham my first year he really offered support and I really respected that. I enjoyed coaching against Andy Stewart as well, he was very thorough with his preparation and he always looked good in the purple tracksuit.

 

T.Y – Your daughters are starting to be a regular fixture at Flames SBL games – Have they got your same passion for the sport and could we see them playing in the League in say ten years’ time? And if so – How would dad handle that transition from SBL Coach to sideline parent?

M.U – As a Dad I hope I will be a great parent, my parents spent two years coming to every game to see me get on the court for two minutes of garbage time if I was lucky. I would hope I will be like them, a supportive parent. Mum and Dad still sit court side watching me now when they can. I actually know Nik Lackovic’s family well and I know his Dad does the same and that is what SBL is about, it's. About family and community. My other daughter just likes iPads so hopefully I can get her on court as well

 

T.Y – Finally, when people speak of Mark Utley after you have coached your last game in the League – What would you like them to describe you as or have as your last Legacy that you leave behind?

M.U – Not much legacy really, I hope one day I come down to a Flames game and a few of my initiatives are still going. I hope people realise that I enjoyed everything I did, I didn't offend too many people and I had fun. Also I can't believe I started lost SBL to catch Brad French out on imports and it has so many people posting and sharing memories from the past.

 

A huge thanks to Mark on sharing such personal and great memories from such a storied and significant past in our League. For anyone not doing anything this Saturday night, head on down to Mike Barnett Sports Complex and celebrate with the Flames as they welcome the Lakeside Lightning to the Hothouse in Mark’s 500th game in the League. It should be a great night and a celebration of someone who has definitely earnt all of the accolades he will receive.

Article by Travis Young

Photo:
Utley in his Debut season guarding Brian Fundingsland from the Buccs

Photos by Mick Cronin




Comments

Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.

Refreshing your Website?

Mobile responsive websites made easy using the new Stack Commerce Website Theme. Subscribe and enhance your site using our range of Add On Features including an integrated Shop.

Laptops showing the Stack Commerce Website Theme.