Willie Burton and wife Suzanne watch son Alonzo play for the Hawks in 2016.
He was also named most outstanding Kiwi forward/centre in 1997, and became a New Zealand Tall Blacks representative – a part of the historic 2001 series win over Australia.
But it didn’t end at the final buzzer – as a popular figure among budding basketballers in Hawke’s Bay through his commitment to coaching and young people, he became an assistant coach with the Hawks, coach of Hawke’s Bay under-15, -17 and -19 men’s representative teams, and in 2011 he was inducted into the Basketball Hawke’s Bay Hall Of Fame.
In recent years, he has worked as a social worker and student support mentor at Napier Intermediate School, helping rangatahi find confidence, purpose and hope.
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It is, however, a humble Burton as he accepts the recognition, with son Alonzo a key figure in the Southland Sharks, and therefore a threat to the Hawks’ hopes of reaching the playoffs, the side needing at least two wins from the last three games.
Commenting on the retirement of the number, he said: “I never played for things like this. I’m so grateful for the support my family and everyone in basketball have given me, because without them, I wouldn’t be the person I am.
“Basketball helped me to become a role model, which kept me focused and on my journey to achieve my goals,” he said. “I appreciate the experiences and backing from everyone.
“I’m so proud of both my boys. It’s great to have Alonzo follow in my footsteps, creating his own basketball journey. I’ll miss my youngest, Dominique, who is now living in New York.”
Hawks chairwoman Sally Crown said: “Willie is an integral part of the whakapapa of this club. This honour recognises not just an elite athlete, but a role model and a mentor in our community.”
The Matariki Friday Hawks and Sharks game starts at 4pm at Rodney Green Arena in Taradale.