Jimmy Rogers, Brixton Topcats coach and founder died on Monday (1 October) after a six-month battle with cancer.
The club, founded in 1981 by coach Jimmy Rogers, has launched the careers of international basket ball stars including Luol Deng formally of the Chicago Bulls. But more importantly Jimmy has provided support and encouragment to scores of Brixton kids.
In an interview in 2012 with Blog founding editor Zoe Jewell, Jimmy said that there had been a lot of changes in Brixton in the 30 years since the club was founded. You can read the interview here.
https://brixtonblog.com/brixton-people-jimmy-rogers/3265
Friends and colleagues paid tribute to him on the Brixton Rec User Group noticeboard and facebook page.
James Louis Borg said: “Shocked and saddened to hear the news this morning that Jimmy Rogers has died.
“Devastating news for all in the basketball community, and all who has the privilege to know him … a true legend and godfather of British Basketball, and icon of Brixton Topcats who provides the launchpad for many hoopers, including the career of Luol Deng.
“I had the pleasure and privilege of meeting Jimmy on a number of occasions, he was a gentleman of that truest kind, and someone who you could always go up to and talk with. Many many people young and old have had their life paths changed for the better because of you, Jimmy, and the basketball community in the UK will always be better because of you.”
