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101 Greats of European Basketball

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Wayne Brabender<br />

that Wayne Brabender had on Spanish basketball. The<br />

league started in 1983 at the twilight <strong>of</strong> his career. Only<br />

the press archives from the 1970s and the memories<br />

<strong>of</strong> those lucky enough to have seen him play <strong>of</strong>fer actual<br />

testimony about this great player and person, who<br />

could set an example in just about anything.<br />

Brabender was an atypical star, especially because<br />

<strong>of</strong> his modesty. He was a person beloved by his teammates<br />

and respected by rivals. I remember some<br />

conversations that I had with the late Mirza Delibasic<br />

about the friendship that he had with Brabender and<br />

his family, and how they helped Delibasic adapt when<br />

he signed for Real Madrid.<br />

After his great career as a player, Brabender stayed<br />

in basketball as a coach. He worked at Real Madrid, CB<br />

Canarias, Forum Valladolid and CB Illescas. His son, David,<br />

was born in Madrid in 1970 and also played in the<br />

Spanish League for 12 years. The Brabenders, especially<br />

Wayne, have left their imprint on Spanish basketball.<br />

<strong>101</strong> greats <strong>of</strong> european basketball<br />

B

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