Basketball NSW is proud to announce the 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees, honouring individuals who have left an enduring legacy on basketball in New South Wales and beyond. The Basketball NSW Hall of Fame celebrates the outstanding achievements of players, coaches, officials, and contributors who have significantly shaped the game across generations.
This year’s Hall of Fame Dinner will be held on the 29th of November 2025 at the Crowne Plaza Terrigal, bringing together the basketball community to recognise and celebrate the remarkable individuals selected for induction.
In a milestone moment, John Martin will be elevated to LEGEND status, joining the elite ranks of just eight others previously honoured with this distinction. Joining him as inductees are Players Katie-Rae Ebzery OLY, Donna Ritchie PLY, Michele Austin, Kim Perry, and Mark Dalton OLY; Referees Brett Hogan and Matthew Beattie; and Coach Larry Davidson.
John Martin
Basketball NSW is proud to announce that John Martin has been elevated to LEGEND status in the Basketball NSW Hall of Fame, becoming just the ninth individual to receive this prestigious honour.
Martin’s contribution to basketball in New South Wales, across Australia, and internationally spans over six decades and is nothing short of extraordinary. From his early involvement as a teacher in Moree, Martin became an instrumental figure in shaping country basketball in NSW. At the same time, he pursued a distinguished officiating career, becoming one of the most influential referees and technical officials in the history of the sport. His impact has been deep, enduring, and transformative.
Martin’s passion for country basketball has inspired many pioneering efforts, including the creation of the NSW Country Tournament, which is now named in his honour. He is also one of the founding directors of the Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup (ACJBC). Established in the early 1980s, the ACJBC was created to bridge the gap between metropolitan and country athletes, offering a platform where regional talent could be scouted, nurtured, and developed.
Originally inducted into the Basketball NSW Hall of Fame in 2011 for his outstanding work as a referee, Martin’s elevation to LEGEND status recognises a lifetime of dedication that extends far beyond officiating. He has served in numerous leadership roles, including President and Vice President of the NSW Referees Association, Chair of multiple Basketball Australia technical committees, and co-editor of the national rule book. He was also the first Australian to be accredited by FIBA as an international referee instructor and examiner, a role that took him across the Oceania region, developing referees and scoretable officials.
Martin has also served as an off-court official at major domestic and international events from National Championships to FIBA World Championships, and from the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games to the 2009 World Masters Games. In 2010, he was honoured with the FIBA Radomir Shaper Award, becoming the first Australian to receive this international accolade for his contribution to the rules of basketball.
He remains an integral part of the Basketball NSW community today, sharing his wisdom as a member of the Basketball NSW Country Basketball Advisory Committee and continuing to mentor the next generation of technical officials.
Katie-Rae Ebzery OLY
For over 15 seasons, Newcastle’s Katie-Rae Ebzery was a commanding presence in Australian basketball. A dynamic guard with composure, leadership, and scoring prowess, Ebzery’s career in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) and on the international stage is one of remarkable consistency, growth, and achievement.
Ebzery made her WNBL debut in 2005 as a teenager with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), showcasing her potential early with 65 games under her belt by the age of 18. After a season with the Dandenong Rangers and a brief break from the league, she returned stronger than ever in 2010, joining the Sydney Uni Flames, a move that marked the beginning of a standout period in her career.
By 2014–15, Ebzery had surpassed 200 WNBL games and was named Flames Club MVP, averaging 16.8 points per game, the sixth-highest in the league. Her impact was further recognised when she was selected for the WNBL All-Star Five in the 2015–16 season.
Seeking new challenges, Ebzery took her talents overseas in 2016–17, playing with Dynamo Moscow in Russia. She returned to the WNBL the following season, rejoining the Flames before signing a two-year deal with the Perth Lynx in 2018.
Her time in Perth was marked by further excellence. In 2019–20, Ebzery was named to the WNBL All-Star First Team and repeated the feat in the 2020 WNBL Hub season, where she finished fourth in league scoring (18.0 points per game) and ninth in assists (3.6 per game). When she retired in October 2021, she left behind a legacy of 304 WNBL games, three All-WNBL First Team selections, and a reputation as one of the most respected players in the league.
Ebzery’s talent extended well beyond domestic basketball. She made her international debut for Australia at the FIBA U19 World Championship in 2007, and went on to wear the green and gold with pride throughout her career. She won bronze at the World University Games in 2011 and 2013, and was a bronze medallist at the inaugural FIBA 3×3 World Championships in 2012.
Her senior debut with the Australian Opals came in 2015, winning gold at the FIBA Oceania Championship. She went on to represent Australia at two Olympic Games, Rio 2016 & Tokyo 2020, and added Commonwealth Games Gold (2018), FIBA Asia Cup Silver (2017) and FIBA World Cup Silver (2018) to her impressive international resume.
Katie-Rae Ebzery’s career is a story of longevity, leadership, and elite performance. Whether lighting up the scoreboard in the WNBL or wearing the green and gold on the world stage, she has been a shining example of professionalism and pride in Australian basketball.
Mark Dalton OLY
From the surf to the hardwood, Mark Dalton carved out one of Australian basketball’s most determined and inspiring playing careers. Known for his grit, athleticism, and relentless work ethic, Mark stood tall among a golden generation of athletes who laid the foundation for modern Australian basketball.
Dalton’s sporting journey began in Manly, where his extraordinary athletic versatility quickly became evident. A junior Australian champion in surf swimming, Dalton won the national surf swim title at age 12 and was ranked second in Australia for the 100m and 200m breaststroke. His coach was preparing him for a run at the Moscow Olympics yet, in a defining life choice, Dalton pivoted away from elite swimming and toward basketball. He was also an Australian Ironman and Malibu champion, and played representative rugby for several years with the Warringah Rats, further highlighting his prowess across multiple sports.
On the basketball court, his talent was clear from an early age. Dalton represented NSW Metro in the Under 16, Under 18, and NSW in Under 20 teams, and in 1982 helped NSW win the Australian U20 Basketball Championship. He went on to captain the Australian U20 team at the FIBA U19 World Championships in Spain in 1983. That same year, he earned a scholarship to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), where he launched his elite basketball journey.
Dalton’s rapid rise continued in 1984 when, at just 19, he was selected to the Australian Men’s National Team, touring the USA with the Boomers and earning selection to the Australian Olympic Team for the Los Angeles Games. In a remarkable family milestone, he joined his siblings Brad and Karen Dalton to become the first trio of siblings to represent Australia in the same sport at the same Olympics.
His professional playing career in the National Basketball League (NBL) was equally impressive. Dalton played for the Canberra Cannons (1984–85), winning a championship in his debut season, before joining the Geelong Cats (1986–87), the Sydney Kings (1988–1995), where he became a franchise stalwart, the Brisbane Bullets (1996–97), and the Illawarra/Wollongong Hawks (1998–2000), across both winter and summer seasons. Across these years, Dalton was renowned for his defensive toughness, leadership, and warrior-like presence on the court.
Internationally, he helped Australia secure Gold at the 1985 Australia Games and again represented the Boomers at the 1986 FIBA World Championships in Spain. His playing career is remembered for the relentless determination, athleticism, and pride he brought to every jersey he wore.
After retiring from professional play, Dalton transitioned into sports administration with equal impact. He served as General Manager of Logan Basketball Incorporated (2003–2010) and of the Logan Thunder in the Women’s National Basketball League (2007–2010). His leadership earned him widespread recognition, including:
- Basketball Australia Administrator of the Year (2007)
- Basketball Queensland Administrator of the Year (2007)
- Logan City Council Sports Administrator of the Year (2007)
While his achievements across a range of sports are extraordinary, Mark Dalton’s induction into the Basketball NSW Hall of Fame honours his outstanding contributions to the sport of basketball as a player, captain, and Olympian. His legacy is one of passion, resilience, and a deep commitment to the game.
Donna Ritchie PLY
For Donna Ritchie, the spark to play wheelchair basketball came during a time of challenge and recovery. While in rehabilitation after an accident, she was taken to see a game of wheelchair basketball. Immediately she was hooked, sport was always a part of Ritchie’s life, inspired by the players and their determination and teamwork, the decision to play wheelchair basketball was an easy one. What followed was a remarkable career that helped shape the history of Australian wheelchair basketball.
Classified as a 1.5-point player, Ritchie quickly rose through the ranks and earned a place on the Australian women’s wheelchair basketball team, the Gliders. Her international debut came at the 1989 FESPIC Games in Japan, and she went on to proudly represent Australia at three Paralympic Games: Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996, and Sydney 2000 on home soil.
At the Paralympics, Ritchie proved to be not only a talented athlete but also a natural leader. She served as vice-captain in 1992, before being appointed captain for the 1996 and 2000 campaigns. Under her leadership, the Gliders finished fourth at both the 1992 and 1996 Games and made history in 2000 by claiming the Silver medal in front of a roaring home crowd.
Ritchie’s impact didn’t stop there. She was a key figure in the Gliders’ success at the World Championships as well, representing Australia in 1990, 1994, and 1998. The team secured Bronze medals in both 1994 and 1998, cementing their status as one of the world’s top contenders.
Donna Ritchie’s legacy is one of inspiration, resilience, and leadership. Her journey into wheelchair sport from to the Paralympic podium continues to motivate athletes across Australia and beyond.
Michele Austin
Michele Austin, from her first steps onto the court as a young player at Bankstown to standing tall as a national and WNBL champion, Austin has carved out a truly remarkable basketball journey, one defined by talent, tenacity, and an enduring passion for the game.
Austin’s basketball career began in the under-12s at Bankstown, where her skill and work ethic quickly set her apart. At just 16 years old, she was elevated into the senior ranks at Bankstown, marking the start of a career that would soon capture national attention.
In 1989, Austin earned selection in the Australian Under 20 Women’s Team, going on to co-captain the squad to a Bronze medal at the FIBA World Championships in Bilbao, Spain, a moment that solidified her status as one of the country’s rising stars.
Her success continued at the professional level, with Austin being signed by the Sydney Flames, where she helped lead the team to a Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) Championship in 1993. Known for her exceptional court vision and leadership, Austin held the WNBL all-time assists record, a testament to her playmaking ability and selfless approach to the game.
But her achievements on the court stretch even further. Austin’s name features across nearly every junior representative level for NSW throughout the 1980s, including:
- Multiple state championships across U14, U16, and U18 levels.
- NSW representative honours from 1984 to 1987.
- Back-to-back Australian School Championship titles with Nazareth College in 1986 and 1987.
In recognition of her incredible playing career, Austin has been awarded Life Playing Membership at Bankstown and the Scott Fenton Basketballer of the Year Award, and the Lorraine Landon most Inspirational player award, fitting tributes to someone who has given so much to the game.
Though her playing days are behind her, Austin’s impact continues. She remains deeply involved in coaching, nurturing young talent at Bankstown and across the state. Her recent coaching achievements include:
- Leading Bankstown’s U14 Girls team to qualify for the 2024 National Club Championships.
- Serving as Assistant Coach for the NSW U16 Metro Girls team (2023/2025) and U18 Metro Girls team (2024), both of which secured Gold medals at the National Championships.
- Championing basketball at the grassroots level, including introducing programs at Picnic Point Primary School.
- Coaching Sydney South West teams for over 20 years.
Michele Austin’s legacy is woven into the fabric of basketball in NSW, a legacy of excellence, leadership, and unwavering dedication. Her extraordinary playing career, backed by a lifelong commitment to the sport, makes her a deserving candidate for the Basketball NSW Hall of Fame.
Kim Perry
For nearly two decades, Kim Perry, affectionately known as Kimbo, proudly wore the green and gold, representing Australia with distinction as part of the Pearls, the national team for women with an intellectual impairment. Her commitment to the sport, talent on the court, and leadership within the team have left an indelible mark on the program and the people around her.
From a young age, Perry was part of a trio of standout NSW players selected to join the Pearls, but it was Perry who would go on to enjoy the longest tenure, becoming a cornerstone of the team. Her height and athleticism made her a dominant force inside the paint, and over the years she honed a clever and versatile repertoire of post moves that made her a nightmare for opponents and a reliable scoring option for her teammates.
As the years progressed, Perry’s game only improved, and so did her leadership. She was appointed captain in the later stages of her career, a role she embraced with humility and strength. Perry wasn’t just a leader in uniform, she was a player advocate, a team motivator, and a constant positive presence in the Pearls’ environment. Whether it was offering quiet support to teammates or sharing thoughtful contributions in team meetings, Kimbo helped shape the off-court culture of the team, bringing joy, unity, and kindness to every gathering.
Perry’s ability to stay at the elite level for close to 20 years, with only a couple of short breaks, speaks to her passion for the game and her unwavering dedication to representing her country. Her legacy lives on not just in the wins and the milestones, but in the memories and friendships she helped foster within the team.
A champion athlete. A respected leader. And most of all, a role model for what it means to play with heart.
Kim Perry’s playing career stands as one of the great stories in Australian sport.
Brett Hogan
Bankstown’s Brett Hogan, with over a decade of elite officiating under his belt, Hogan built a reputation as one of Australia’s most respected basketball referees. A cool-headed decision-maker who thrived under pressure and brought integrity and consistency to every game he officiated.
Hogan officiated at seven Basketball Australia National Championships where he officiated six Gold Medal games. In 2000 he was awarded the Basketball Australia Male Referee of the Year.
Hogan’s journey at the top began with the National Basketball League (NBL) 2002/03 season, where he officiated an impressive 259 games, including the ultimate appointment for any official, a NBL Grand Final, retiring in November 2017. Known for his game management and calm presence on the floor, Hogan was trusted by coaches, players, and league officials alike to handle the sport’s biggest moments.
In 2005, Hogan’s expertise was recognised on the international stage when he earned his FIBA Referee Licence, opening the door to global opportunities. Over the next decade, he represented Australia with pride at several major international events:
- 2007 World Deaf Games (China) – Gold Medal game.
- 2007 FIBA Women’s World League (Russia).
- 2009 World University Games (Serbia) – Gold Medal game
- 2017 FIBA Asia Women’s Cup (India).
Hogan also contributed to the growth of the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL), officiating 17 games across multiple seasons. His commitment to both the men’s and women’s elite leagues highlights his versatility and dedication to the game.
After a distinguished run, Hogan retired from the NBL after the 2017/18 season, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, professionalism, and leadership.
His career serves as an inspiration for the next generation of officials, proving that with hard work, consistency, and passion, Australian referees can shine on the world stage.
Matthew Beattie
Across nearly two decades, Matthew Beattie stood as a steady, respected presence on basketball courts around the world. With a sharp eye for the game and a calm authority under pressure, Beattie built a remarkable officiating career that spanned national leagues, world tournaments, and some of basketball’s biggest stages.
Beattie began his officiating journey at St George, a small association that, at the time, had no ‘home base’, a humble start that he remains proud of. His early experience proved that you don’t need to be part of a big club to thrive. He later became a member of Sutherland and then Bankstown, continuing to develop his craft and build a reputation as a committed and skilled official. He represented NSW at Australian Junior Championships Ivor Burge, U14 Clubs (gold) and U18’s (bronze).
Domestically, Beattie made his mark in the National Basketball League (NBL), where he officiated 234 games and three Grand Final Series, cementing Beattie as a trusted figure on the court. He also contributed to the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL), adding 32 games to his resume, he officiated a WNBL Grand Final and was named the WNBL Referee of the year in 2010/11 season, a testament to his versatility and consistency across all levels of elite basketball.
In 2009, his expertise was recognised internationally when he was awarded his FIBA Referee License. What followed was a run of prestigious appointments that took him across the globe, officiating in some of the sport’s most respected tournaments:
- 2011 FIBA Women’s World Championships in Chile.
- 2013 Stankovic Cup.
- 2015 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.
- 2017 FIBA U19 Men’s World Cup in Egypt.
- 2017 FIBA Asia Cup (Senior Men) in Beirut.
- 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast.
Each assignment reflected the confidence the global basketball community had in Beattie’s ability to officiate with professionalism, fairness, and authority, qualities that made him one of Australia’s finest refereeing exports.
After an outstanding career, Beattie retired from the NBL after the 2017/18 season, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire referees across the country. His journey proves that the path of an official can lead to the world stage and that Australian referees are among the best in the game.
Larry Davidson
For more than 40 years, Larry Davidson has been a pillar of the Australian basketball community. A player, coach, mentor, and quiet achiever whose legacy has been shaped not by personal accolades, but by the lives he’s changed and the programs he’s helped flourish.
While Davidson’s playing career saw him represent Australia at the Under 20 Men’s Team in 1977 and again in the Australian Youth Team in 1981 as well as playing for the Newcastle Falcons in the NBL and the Newcastle Hunters in the SEABL, it’s his extraordinary work as a coach, particularly with athletes with an intellectual impairment, that defines his enduring contribution to the game.
Davidson began coaching in 1984, taking on key roles with Newcastle and Maitland, leading NSW State Teams and Australian University squads, and earning multiple Coach of the Year awards along the way. His service to Newcastle Basketball was honoured with Life and Life Playing Membership, a testament to his commitment and leadership at the community and state levels.
But it was in 1997 that Davidson found his true coaching calling, joining the Australian Pearls, Australia’s national women’s team for athletes with an intellectual impairment as an Assistant Coach. By 2000, he was appointed Head Coach, a position he has held with distinction for over two decades.
Under Davidson’s leadership, the Pearls have been a dominant force in international competition, medalling at every major event they’ve entered, an extraordinary achievement in both 5×5 and 3×3 formats. His coaching record includes:
World Championships & Global Games – 5 on 5 Competition
- Gold: 2010, 2011
- Silver: 2006, 2008, 2009
- Bronze: 1998, 2002, 2004
Asia & South Pacific Basketball Championships
- Gold: 1999
European Basketball Championships
- Bronze: 2003
World Championships & Global Games – 3×3 Competitions. Managing the responsibility of coaching two teams and still achieving the highest results.
- Gold: 2015, 2017,
- Silver: 2017, 2019, 2023
- Bronze: 2015, 2019, 2023
2022: Oceania Asia Games. Three teams coached.
- Gold: 2022
- Silver: 2022
- Bronze: 2022
Beyond the medals, Davidson has played a transformational role in the evolution of the Pearls program guiding the successful shift from 5×5 to 3×3 basketball, while continuing to foster an environment built on inclusion, discipline, and pride. His coaching philosophy has always focused on developing not just better athletes, but better people instilling confidence, structure, and resilience in every player who’s worn the green and gold under his watch.
Known for his patient, methodical approach, Davidson has become a trusted mentor for generations of athletes. He is as committed to the growth of his players off the court as he is to their performance on it. And while the results speak for themselves, Davidson has never sought the spotlight, always preferring to celebrate team achievements rather than his own.
For his lifelong dedication to coaching and his transformative impact on inclusive sport, Larry Davidson is a truly deserving inductee into the Basketball NSW Hall of Fame. His name may not always make headlines but his legacy will forever be etched in the history of Australian basketball.
Event Information
The 2025 Basketball NSW Hall of Fame Dinner promises to be a night of celebration, connection, and reflection as we honour the incredible contributions of these basketball leaders.
Tickets will be on sale soon, and we encourage the basketball community to join us in recognising those who have shaped the sport’s past and continue to inspire its future.
For further updates and ticket release information, stay tuned to the Basketball NSW website and official social media channels.
The 2025 Hall Of Fame dinner will be held in conjunction with the 2025 Basketball NSW State Conference.
