For Ron Putzi, individual awards, achievements, and honours were never the accomplishments he strived for. He simply set out to be the best basketball player and person that he could be, while trying to do everything he could to help his team win basketball games. Well, when you are as talented as any individual on the court and your team is winning, the personal and team accolades tend to follow. The most recent? An induction to the Basketball BC Hall of Fame in the athlete category.
From Richmond BC, Ron began his basketball journey with the famed Richmond Colts teams of the 80’s where he led the team to back-to-back championships in 1987 and 1988 including the tournament MVP in 1988. He next journeyed to New Mexico, where he was awarded a full-ride scholarship the the New Mexico State University Aggies. While with the Aggies, his team would become Big West Conference Champions and reach the NCAA tournament four times, highlighted by a Sweet 16 run in 1992. In this period, Ron would also spend two years with the Canadian National Team (FISU) that competed in the NBA Summer League, World Basketball League, and won silver at the World University Games. Following his NCAA career, Ron would play 10 years professionally in Switzerland, where his team would reach seven National Finals and win one Championship in 2000.
Vancouver Basketball had the opportunity to sit down with Ron and ask him some questions as he reflected on his basketball career and recent induction into the Basketball BC Hall of Fame.
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VB: Richmond High - talk to us about the heritage of that program, Coach D and what that experience meant to you as a young person coming up…and now as a grown adult, dad and basketball leader in our city.
RP: It took Bill Disbrow 12 years to win his first British Columbia High School Basketball Championship at Richmond High – that’s countless hours, weeks, and years that Disbrow carved out (personal time) to spend in the gym coaching athletes. He was honing his coaching skills, and hammering out his own strict coaching philosophy. Bill was building a ‘Colts’ program from the ground up and would always let his team’s results do the talking. The end result was championships and great people. If vindication is the wine of fine vintage I’m sure Bill Disbrow savoured each trip to the provincial championships.
Bill Disbrow believed in building, not just a great high school basketball program, but developing the “best basketball program in the world.” Richmond High was to be a ‘non-flashy’ program with an infectious first-class culture that consisted of important core values, fast-paced excitement, crazy fans, and sold-out crowds…
Disbrow created (demanded) the strongest culture of discipline possible; which meant making players themselves personally responsible for their own commitment, including commitment to each other, and also the R.H.S. basketball program. If Disbrow was committed, why shouldn’t the players be? Players were expected to learn ALL the positions on the basketball floor. Disbrow wanted each player’s creative spirit to be embraced – no robots – every player needed to be able to continuously exploit their opponent’s weaknesses. Although Disbrow was himself a strict disciplinarian he seldom had to discipline – hereto, his players disciplined themselves – arrived at practice on time (every time), hydrated themselves, ate well, worked out, attended classes, stayed focused. Mediocrity had/has no place in his philosophy.
That is not to say Bill never got upset. He did. And when he got upset with players/referees/himself he went well beyond the boundaries of civilized behaviour. Bill was a fierce competitor with little patience (well, let’s call it “NO” patience). The true telltale sign of Disbrow’s anger was that vicious blue vein which bulged off his forehead. A long line of blue (blood) stretching from the top of his forehead down to his eyes. If Bill was very angry you saw “The Vein” from the stands – straight across the gym floor. Once during Doug Kelsey’s (Point Grey High School super-star) 45 point performance and ass-kicking (win) over the Colts, Bill simply left his bench and angrily went to sit in the stands for the rest of the game.
Disbrow focused on what worked, wasting no time on things that didn’t – focused on the right things, not the wrong things. He wanted positive leaders and independent thinkers on and off the court. Disbrow knew a meaningful life for his players today would likely translate to a meaningful life after high school. That he himself had a significant hand in creating excellence in each player must been a gratifying feeling. Disbrow’s personal contribution affected positive changes in players (people) – thus, by extension, our society as a whole.
Even if you lost (on the court or in life) you never actually “failed.” He was proud of you, and he knew you would be proud of yourself because you had absolutely tried your best.
Disbrow developed and applied simple fundamental principles (rules) for playing basketball, coaching his players, and also for himself. Over time, Bill understood and developed an innate sense for what was vital and what was not. Everything Disbrow did was geared at being simple and through his simple rules his players, one-by-one, day-by-day, year-by-year became the very best they could. One of the few absolute rules which Bill insisted players obeyed was that they keep their “BALANCE” at all-times; meaning, early in the year, Bill would stop every player, every time for being out of control. Through his self-taught disciplined rules, Disbrow knew the most effective way to squeeze and extract every ounce of talent from each player.
Through time, the Richmond High basketball program gradually became one of the most successful basketball programs in history. Even so, Disbrow knew it was still crucial to make basketball fun. So, he made running fun, playing hard fun, winning fun, fighting after the ball fun… taking a charges in the paint fun, conditioning training fun, weight room lifting – all FUN. It was hard work yes; but was it fun. Disbrow was passionate about winning and straightforward about making the program fun and anyone who did not feel that way needed to find something else to do.
And, because it was fun, year-after-year, the players could not play basketball enough…and because they trained hard and efficiently, they all became very good. Players then learned by themselves how to push themselves. Then players learned how to push each other – all part in elevating their game. Disbrow’s coaching success skyrocketed and to outsiders it may have appeared that the program’s success came overnight, but it hadn’t. Over years of coaching, critical mass slowly built up and kinetic energy gradually begun rolling the program forward. As players improved, their confidence grew – both in themselves and in the program. A positive reputation quickly developed, and more players wanted to be part of something great, more players transferred…the program got better…players (parents, fans, teachers) flocked to be part of the Richmond teams. The Result: More success and championships than any other program in history. For that we say… Thank you Bill !!!
The Richmond High Experience – The Super Colts – 1973 to Present (Excerpt from 30 Top Memories)
For over 30 years, over 1000 games, British Columbia Hall-of-Fame basketball coach Bill Disbrow built one of the world’s best high school basketball programs. Few, if any, have surpassed his program’s legendary statistics; they speak for themselves.
5 Provincial Championships
5 Provincial Championship Finals
3 Undefeated Teams (1988, 1991, 1998)
4 Provincial MVP’s
31 Provincial All-Stars
5 CIS Mike Moser Memorial Trophy (Canada’s Most Outstanding Player)
2 Olympians
7 National Team Players
92% win percentage
Making the team was very difficult and a distinct honor. Coach Disbrow had strict policies and high expectations for every player which begun in September. In my year, for example, players were not allowed to tryout before they could bench-press their body weight, had read three hand-picked Disbrow books, and kept their academics in good-standing. After basketball tryouts were complete, Coach Disbrow posted the players names on his PE office (the dungeon) window. Every season, “The Cut” announcement day was tense, with those that didn’t make it often crying openly. No one begrudged Disbrow the difficult task of selecting the Super Colts’ teams.
Home Opener: The first game of the season was always SOLD OUT. Fans would line up for hours for a seat to the game. Often the lineups extended far down the hallways of Richmond High. To be part of the unveiling of the new season’s Richmond High team was important. As game time approached, “Long Time” by BOSTON would begin playing through the speakers. The gymnasium lights were turned off, and only a single brightly lit spotlight shone directly at one corner of the gym. The new Super Colts’ team would soon break through their paper wall-banner. The excitement and noise crescendoed until the captain of the Colts jumped through the paper wall to officially jump-start the season. The gym erupted with noise and every player jumped at least six inches higher in warmup. It was a highlight of my career, and any player waiting in the tunnel behind the paper never forgot that special euphoric feeling.
Every team only ever had one goal. Winning the BC Championship, “The Tourney”, at the PNE Agrodome each March. Disbrow had made the finals several times before and finally won in 1985. We idolized the teams before us. Every practice, the older guys, unashamedly kicked our ass, pushing us to get better until the days we scored a bucket or two became more common. Success!!! I still remember scoring my first basket at and Richmond High Open Gym in grade 9. I was honestly happy for days.
In 2005, our 1988 Richmond High team was named, the “All-Time Greatest Team” by iconic sports writer Howard Tsumura (THE PROVINCE, now Varsity Letters). A tremendous honor, one I’m not handing over, however I’d be remiss if I didn’t say…
When I compare the other great Richmond High championship teams to ours, it’s honestly extremely difficult. Our 1987 & 1988 team idolized the 1984 & 1985 Championship team: Steve Taylor (MVP), Jim Lamond, Ray Doyle, Glen Tait, Raj Lal, Steve Sheardown, Sean Hill, Darrell Mah, Graeme Kiss, Darren Latrace, Mike Saselja, Richard Weisgarber, and Todd Haverstock (manager). Our 1988 Richmond High team defeating them is simply unimaginable.
Comparing ourselves versus the undefeated 1991 Richmond High team (35-0) would also be an arduous task. Dominant players such as Louis Johnson (MVP), Brian Scales, Justin Pudvaiskas, Kenin Matheny, Luke Johnes, Paul Hamaguchi, Stefano Kalaw, Matt Anthony, Andy Latchford, Eric Lum, John McPharland, John Mayan, Todd Klaiman, Dean Sherdown, and Justin Padviaskas, Assistant Coach, Doug Beers.
or, versus…
The undefeated 1998 Richmond High team (37-0) with Pasha Bains (MVP), Gilbert Cheung, Phillip Ma, Jesse Tupper, Jason Tarnow, Herb Raai, Atas Maeko, Tyler Semple. What an accomplishment. Defeating undefeated teams is simply difficult – and hard to imagine.
This was Richmond High Basketball and it comprised of hundreds of competitive, unstoppable, athletes; players. It would be irresponsible for me not to mention a few additional provincial all-stars:
Olympian’s Andrew Mavis (and John Lee Manger, Sydney Olympic Games, Strength & Conditioning Coach Toronto Raptors), Karlo Villanueva, Jason Pamer, Jason Bristow, Bobby Singh, Jay Lee, Mark Craven, Les Brown, Kyle Russell, Zack Russell, Lloyd Scrubb (Father of Phillip – 3x CIS Player of the Year & Thomas Scrubb), Stan Mathieson, Rod Ast, Dave Olafson, Chris Lake, Brian McDonnell, Chris Ray, Al Tait, Phil Enns, Lee Craven, Bernie Glier, Butch Gayton, Bob Skemp, Ian Kishi, Gary Emmerson, Jim Mills (HOF), Brian Host, Jeff Manning, Jay Lee, Jason Birring… and more.
Finally, I tip my hat to all the players, coaches, cheerleaders, fans, teams that Richmond High has ever had during the dynasty years.
VB: It’s the 25th Anniversary of your Sweet Sixteen run. Doesn’t take a math major to know you are part of a very rare and elite class of NCAA Basketball athletes to experience that level of play. Talk to us about what that year was like for you?
RP: Interesting enough, we believe we were the team that STARTED what many teams still continue doing today - specifically during the “One Shining Moment” NCAA tournament. That is, the somewhat uneasy, BENCH HAND-HOLDING or nowadays ARM HOLDING which you see towards the end of close NCAA Tournament games. Whether it’s good luck or not athletes believe it helps their team win and advance to the next round.
Our bench started HAND-HOLDING toward the end of our 2nd round game against SW Louisiana, sending us to the "Sweet 16" against #2 UCLA. We were a very close nit group of friends, and as crunch time drew closer we slowly clinched on to each other more and more - especially now while shooting free-throws down the stretch. We quickly realized we weren’t missing any free-throws while doing this. We were certainly NOT a stellar team when it came to our free-throw percentage. But that night we ended up making 16 FT's in a row - obviously it was working …and clearly the reason we sealed the Victory. Dick Vitale and the late Jimmy Valvano took the time to circle our hands on their telestrator during the highlights, saying that was the reason we both won and made 16 straight free throws to end the game. After that 2nd Round NCAA victory (1992 Regional - Arizona State University), our NMSU bench made the front pages locally and all around the country. Great memory.
We played UCLA in the Sweet 16. Their roster only carried 7 NBA players and we expectedly lost by 10. Our 5’8” point-guard Sam Crawford was 2nd in the NCAA in assists and easily dazzled everyone. Our assistant coach Gar Forman, went on and is now the GM of the Chicago Bulls.
It was a Miracle run. Coincidentally also played at The Pit (University of NM) in Albuquerque, NM. A place where we were despised and hated as their interstate rival. However, for the first time ever the entire state (New Mexico) banded together to make the loudest noise we have ever heard cheering for the NMSU Aggies.
For me, receiving the NCAA Tournament watches, rings, and swag was and still easily is one of my life’s biggest dreams and accomplishments. For that I am very proud.
VB: Randy Brown, one of our all-time favorite Chicago Bulls…was your teammate. What was that like to play with Randy?
RP: Randy Brown (“Rambo”) was a leader and unbelievable gifted athlete. My parents come from a small village in Switzerland; aka no basketball. I’m from Richmond, and although exposure to great local basketball, I honestly didn’t know I was playing with a future 3x NBA Champion. To us he was Rambo; and yes, he was great, but we never thought he’d be drafted in the 1st round.
Randy was built differently. His muscles would grow as he played in games. He could defence-slide faster than most people run straight. Our inbound play was an ally-hoop to Randy; our point guard. He’d consistently dunk on NCAA Division 1 centres - then hang off the rim and yell right into their faces. Randy was a mature NBA general in our locker room. He’d grab the biggest toughest forward Tracy ‘B” Ware and ruthlessly tear him apart for not rebounding - calling him all sorts of derogatory names. Rambo was GREAT. He got us to #11 in country.
Me, from Richmond, BC - it was an honour. When Rambo yelled all I could think was “OH MY GOD” I guess we all best try a little harder during the 2nd half - or we are dead.
VB: Canada Basketball - no doubt you’re a proud Canadian…how was your experience with the National Team?
RP: Mostly I remember that emotional “pay-phone” call to your Mom. Quietly proudly whispering into the phone, “I made it”…then trying my best to not be caught standing in a puddle of tears.
There’s virtually no better feeling than playing basketball with or against the very best in the world. It’s exciting!!! Everytime!!! When you know the person’s basketball resume to whom your passing the ball to (and vice versa), it’s an amazing feeling and honour. For example, NO MATTER how cool and collected you are, when you're guarding Magic Johnson or playing with Steve Nash there’s NEVER a fraction of a second where you don't know and feel exactly who they are. It’s absolutely invigorating / thrilling… the best. You're in some ways “in heaven”… its the epitome of your career - and its real-time - it’s NOW …and its WOW !!!
VB: Vancouver Basketball - you’ve been publicly (at times) involved in a ton of local hoops initiatives. You also do a whole lot behind the scenes. Share with us why you continue to make time for the game in our city.
RP: Howard Kelsey has always been a friend and mentor. His honesty, dedication, attention to detail and determination are like few people I have ever met and it’s an honour and a privilege to work alongside Howard.
My WHY? is very simple. I love to give; not take. I get the greatest joy in innovatively building and creating; not destroying and suppressing. I love the magnanimous people of the world and, equally so, being surrounded by them. For as long as I can remember I’ve intentionally and naturally aligned myself with these birds - of a feather.
As old school as this sounds, seeing kids achieve, hustle, work hard, laugh, smile, struggle, love, learn - well, aren’t those the foundation of life? The earlier we can properly help build those foundations the faster they can build their lives. The more they can achieve, unquestionably the better our society will have to become. Go kids, it’s up to you now !!!
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From the Vancouver Basketball Community, we thank you for taking the time to sit down with us and for sharing so many personal stories as a look into your illustrious career. Congratulations to you, Ron, on this lifetime achievement and honour.
The 16th Annual Basketball BC Gala will be held on Saturday April 28th at the River Rock Hotel/Casino in Richmond. Ticket information can be found at https://www.basketball.bc.ca/HallOfFame.
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