Welcome

This page is dedicated to Michael Walker, our No5 and No1 in Heart
"Mike.....show them angels how to 3-point shoot, we miss you"

In September 2006, Michael Walker was tragically killed in a car crash. Michael was a rising star of the U18 team and as a former member of the club, he grew in ability as he moved from the U14's to the U18 age group. As a tribute to Michael, this dedicated web page; which keeps Michael in our memory's, shows info on Michael and his charity "Hoops in Heaven". Mike was the longest playing member in the club, who grew from a boy to an outstanding fine young man. He was a great example to younger players as he gave every ounce of effect into everything he did. In April 2006, Michael received the 'Players Player of the Year' and 'Coaches Player of the Year' which shows how much respect he had within the club.
A true athlete, talented basketball player and one amazing individual.

To celebrate Michael's life and to give back something to a young man who gave everything, this page will be used to inform all regarding Michael's Fund 'Hoops in Heaven'. Additionally it will highlight other events such as Michael's Charity Ball, Charity Golf Day and Mike's ACE Award for Attitude, Commitment and Effort.
Michael not only played basketball, but enjoyed a number of sports including golf and football. As a result, the fund is aimed at all those sports Michael loved to play and watch..

'The Club No5 Shirt'

To honor Michael, the club No 5 shirt will have Micheal's initials printed in the centre of the number. In addition the winner of the 'ACE award' will have the honour of wearing the shirt for the next season.

Tribute's to Mike

Mike
I didn't no you that well but every time I saw you, you always had a smile on your face. You gave me tips on basketball and I am grateful for that. I will always remember you and you will be in everyone's hearts forever.
R.I.P Mike,
Love 2 Brad, Liz and Jess.
Keep shooting them hoops in heaven Mike.
Sam Griffin (3rd Nov)

Hey, ive known you for along time on and off now, the first time we met was a long time ago, maybe when we were about 12, we were teammates in a tournament together in Blackpool, we were unbeaten in that tournament and won the whole thing, and in my eyes that was down to you. The last time I saw you was on Wednesday 25th October, I was playing for Preston College Basketball Academy, and you were representing Newman, but as you were injured, i didn't get the pleasure of playing against you for the final time. Everyone on the Preston College Basketball Academy was shocked when they heard the terrible news, we all miss you and are still struggling to come to terms with the fact we will never see you again, hope you are still knocking' down them 3's in heaven mate.
R.I.P Mike
Matt Cookson (4th Nov)

Mike was a great player and he woz a very good looking lad i wish he was still with us !!!!
Lara Malaney (4th Nov)

Mike,
As far as I'm concerned, you were the best player I've ever seen. You came to training with a smile on your face. You played with a smile on your face. You worked hard, you showed that you wanted to win. Whenever you were passed the ball, you did something effective, something for the team; you were a true team player. From my experiences playing alongside you, you not only had skills as an individual but as a team player, that will never be forgotten. Not only did you want to win, but you wanted yourself and others to enjoy the beautiful game of basketball. I thank you for the valuable experience and enjoyment I had playing in the same team as you. You will never be forgotten, you are an inspiration, a superb basketball player, a great guy, in my heart forever. You will be extremely missed by everyone who knows you.

My Love to Brad, Liz and Jess at this difficult time.

Rest in Peace Mike, you will never be forgotten.
Ian Goley (5th Nov)

I barely knew Mike as a person, all that I knew was that he had an ace 3-point technique! Every time I saw him shoot I would try and his technique but there was one difference, his would go in! On that one-off training match for the under 16's against the under 18's I had to mark you for a quarter and my head sunk. As a player, in my eyes, you were unbeatable, I never got the privilege but to play on your side must have been an immense experience.
You keep on shooting dude,
Sam Fitzpatrick (6th Nov)

Hey Mike,
I've known you for about 4 years and I count each one as a blessing. You taught me a lot about the game of basketball as well as about determination and love for the game. Whatever you did, you did it with 100% and sometimes even more. Miss you forever. See you when I get there. Keep on playing and show them how to do it up there.
Zac Mather (7th Nov)

Mike,
It is often that you cross my mind. I always remember the first time I saw you play basketball, from then it was obvious that you had a talent. A few months after this, I was fortunate enough to coach you. It is amazing that over the years that I have coached you I have seen you play and develop in to a great player. Not only this but a well-mannered young man. On and off the basketball court you were well respected and you still are now. You showed us how to be intense and always wanted to win. I would say you are an influential member of Preston Pride Basketball Club. The support shown by your teammates shows how much you are loved.
Coach
Joel Augustine (8th Nov)

I didn't really know you mike, but I heard a lot about you. I heard you were considerate, caring, and you loved to play basketball. In my eyes you were a great player, and the team was very privileged to have you playing for them. I have realised from all the tributes and all the people at the church, that you gave anyone you met something special. You gave them someone to look up to. Rest in peace Mike. Also thinking of Brad, Liz and Jess at this difficult time.
Adam Kusnierek (9th Nov)

Dear Pride,
On hearing of your loss I was deeply moved. I remember michael as a boy watching the early pride programs excel, him and brad would offer support and michael began to attend the younger age group open sessions. Already noted by coach augustine his attitude was exceptional; a keen ability to learn, a silky shot not unlike his fathers, a tenacious attitude to defense and seemingly endless energy. But the one thing that sticks in my mind is that he would step up to the stronger older players and invite them to take him on.
My thoughts are with you at this time.
My deepest sympathies.
Coach Matt Newby (9th Nov)

To Mike,
We enjoyed watching you at training,you were truly amazing.Your skill was fantastic.You always showed an interest in how we had settled into the club by asking Natasha at college.This was the type of person you were,talented,considerate,and kind. We will miss you.
Mike Matthew and Louis Allen (10th Nov)