Great Britain has announced its first-ever Masters Wheelchair Basketball team for the FIMBA European Championships in Athens, marking a landmark moment for the sport.
Having pioneered the Masters wheelchair basketball initiative just over a year ago, GB will debut the game on the international stage, so it’s time to meet the history makers.
Steph Johnson
Now entering her fifth season in the sport, Steph will have the honour of captaining the first ever GB Wheelchair Masters team in Athens.. Steph is a former captain of Reading Rockets in the running game, but discovered wheelchair basketball following career-ending surgery. After starting with Thames Valley Kings and helping them reach the Division 3 playoff finals, she returned to Reading Rockets and has since competed in the EuroCup.
Being selected to represent Great Britain’s Masters team this summer is something I never imagined would be possible, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to wear the GB jersey and captain the team on the international stage.
Steph Johnson
Chris Nash
Chris first played running basketball as a teenager, representing district and county teams before helping Fleming Park Falcons win multiple league titles. Following a knee replacement, he took up wheelchair basketball with Thames Valley Kings, reaching two National Finals, and now represents Southern Sharks. A newly qualified Level 2 coach, he continues to contribute both on and off the court. The Sharks are the reigning GB Masters Champions and Chris will be looking to defend that crown with Josh and Steph, before leaving for Athens.
Josh Lawler
Inspired to try wheelchair basketball after watching the Athens Paralympics while recovering from a serious motorbike accident, Josh began playing in 2005. He has competed at Premier League level and Eurocup (with one of the players who inspired him from Athens) and other European competitions as well as helping Folkestone Arrows achieve their first-ever promotion.
I did try Wheelchair Rugby, but after snapping my wheelchair frame twice I figured I was better off in basketball before I snapped something in me! It seems fitting to me personally, after all these years, that my first Masters competition will be in the place where wheelchair basketball first became a huge positive in my life as a disabled person.
Josh Lawler
Seyed Jalal Babokani
One of the squad’s most experienced players, Seyed began playing wheelchair basketball in 1981 and represented his national team from 1984 to 1998. He competed in Asia-Pacific Championships, as well as Paralympic and World qualifiers while also enjoying major success with his local club, winning multiple league titles and serving as club manager.
Gareth Golightly
A former soldier, Gary (Gaz) turned to wheelchair basketball after a life-changing accident in 2002. Introduced to the sport in 2012, he credits basketball with saving his life and has since represented GB successfully across several sports. His achievements include Invictus Games gold and silver medals, alongside numerous national league successes. He currently plays for Hereward Heat.
Mehboob Hussain
With more than 35 years experience, after being introduced to wheelchair sport by his PE teacher, Mebs (Mehboob) has competed in national leagues and championships around the UK and currently players for Birmingham Phoenix. Alongside his success in basketball, Mebs has also travelled across Europe for wheelchair tennis competitions. Dedicated to promoting inclusion through sport, Mebs continues to encourage other to get involved in disability sports and enjoy the many benefits of an active lifestyle.
Denise Drammis
Denise first became involved in wheelchair basketball as a volunteer coach before taking up the sport herself. She has represented Woking Blackhawks, Thames Valley Kings, Reading Rockets and Eastern Blue Stars, while also coaching at regional junior level. A multiple recipient of Player’s Player and Coach’s Player awards, she is proud to be part of the pioneering Masters squad.
Simon West
A one-club player with Jaguars in Newark, Simon helped the team win the Division 1 title and earn promotion to the Premier League. A former Player of the Season, playoff competitor, coach and trustee, he has played a key role in the club’s development over many years.
Ian Brown
One of the most decorated figures in the squad, Ian Brown has played National League basketball since 1992 and will player/coach during the tournament. He guided Jaguars through successive promotions and has enjoyed success as both player and coach, including Premier League and Division 1 titles, EuroCup appearances and a remarkable record of junior championship victories across club and regional programmes.
Gary Davidson PLY
Gary is a Scottish Basketball Hall of Fame inductee and Paralympian, who sunk the match-winning shot vs defending champions France in 1984. A multi-sport international athlete, he has represented Scotland and Great Britain across wheelchair basketball, swimming, table tennis and wheelchair rugby. With 89 GB caps, Junior World Records and a distinguished career spanning more than four decades, he remains one of the sport’s most respected figures, and brings a wealth of experience to the team as player-coach.
As they prepare to travel to Athens, this pioneering group will not only compete for medals but also establish a new chapter in Great Britain’s wheelchair basketball story. Their participation represents the beginning of an exciting future for Masters competition and a chance to showcase the depth of talent and experience within the game, proving once again that the game never stops.
What an amazing journey we’ve been on, I couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of these players, and the wider squad who have helped make this happen. The first ever team brings together decades of experience, championship success and a shared passion for the game. As the first group to wear the GB jersey, these players will make history while helping shape the future of Masters wheelchair basketball. They will join the wider FIMBA GB Family of 14 teams in Athens competing in the running game. I also want to thanks British Wheelchair Basketball and Mobility in Motion for helping make this dream a reality.
Bruce Lauder – Head of Wheelchair
