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Jim Zoet: Played NBA with Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks Jim Zoet is the only Port Perry lad to make it to the NBA. Indeed, he is the only person from Durham Region to make it that far in pro basketball. After completing Port Perry High School, Jim went on a basketball scholarship to Kent State University. At 7'1” Jim became Kent State's starting centre in his junior year, but after 3 years he became disillusioned with his coach and returned to Canada to finish his degree at Lakehead University. Here he made the Canadian University All-Star team in 1977 and 1978. He was also on the Canadian National team from 1977-1980 and 1990. After graduation at Lakehead he pursued a career in professional basketball in Holland, but maintained his Canadian links by making the Canadian Olympic team in 1980. His achievements attracted the NBA's attention and at age 28 he became the oldest rookie in the 1982-83 season, being the last cut for the Atlanta Hawks and then being signed by the Detroit Pistons. Jim wore #40 for one season in Detroit but when his contract was not renewed he continued his international pro-basketball career. Over the years he has played for at least a year for teams in Holland, England, Argentina, Mexico and the Phillipines. He then decided to return to Canada to settle down and raise a family. At age 51 Jim now lives in Mississauga with his wife Sue and two children, Jackson, 10 and Samantha, 18. ‘When asked which country he enjoyed playing in most, he was quick to respond, “All of them. All these countries were so interesting and the people were truly wonderful and hospitable. But while travelling through some of the smaller towns of Argentina, Mexico and the Phillipines, seeing the conditions certainly made me appreciate what we have here in Canada.” Today Jim does not have strong ties with Port Perry. “Unfortunately, my life at university in the States and then as an intemational player left me with little time to maintain any close contacts with Port Perry.” This was particularly so after his father died in 1977 and his mother shortly afterwards. He says he still has fond memories of his high school days at Port Perry High School, and a few years ago returned to town to show his children where he had been raised. Jim has been nominated for the Canadian Basketball Hall of fame twice, missing this year’s selection by only two votes. “I consider it a real honour to be nominated. | have been so privileged in my career. How many kids from Canada get an opportunity to play basketball as much as | have?” Jim still maintains his love for the game and shoots hoops with his children. “I was on two teams at last year’s masters’ tournament in Edmonton and came back with two golds,” he states proudly. But now | have a bigger sports career coaching my own kids in hockey and baseball.” When asked if he had any regrets in his career, “Not really,” he responded. “I made the Olympic team in 1980 and then Canada joined several other countries that boycotted the games in Moscow because the Russians had invaded Afghanistan. However, that's life.” he added with a smile. “I’ve worked hard and I’m happy.” By Paul Arculus May 1 STL vie FS38andFS 45 / ei Gas Trimmers 905-655-3291 E EQUIPMENT* ; ~~ 1-800-575-5656 4179 Simcoe St. N., Oshawa dust 1okm south of Port Perry) focus@observerpub.ca The Hangar EEN BANK Clas FLY-IN BLIGHT TON URCH PIURCH 905-985-1767 GREENBANK RPORT greenbankalrways.com 416-984-6449 FOCUS -JULY2006 17