1964 — Tokyo

HTML <h2><strong>1964 </strong><strong>TOKYO</strong><strong>OLYMPIC GAMES</strong></h2>

HTML <p>The 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games were the first time the Olympic Games were held in Asia. The Tokyo Olympic Games were to be seen around the world by television for the first time as a result of global communications using satellite technology.The Games were aimed to re-instate Japan back into the world of sport and to gain international acceptance after the ravages Japan caused in World War Two.The city of Tokyo was at its grand best and the traditions of culture, religion and eastern philosophy were on show for the world to see.A total of 94 nations participated in the Games which Tokyo had won the rights over Detroit, Brussels and Vienna.</p>

HTML <p>Judo and Volleyball were introduced at Tokyo Olympic Games.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Games Highlights</strong></h2>

HTML <p>American Bob Hayes produced one of the great sprint performances in history in winning the 100 metres dash.</p>

HTML <p>Soviet gymnast Larissa Latynina won 2 Gold, 2 Silver and 2 Bronze Medals.</p>

HTML <p>AbebeBikila retained his Rome Olympic Games marathon title despite having and appendix operation a few weeks prior to the Games.</p>

HTML <p>New Zealand’s Peter Snell won the 800 metres and 1500metres track events.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Australian </strong><strong>H</strong><strong>ighlights</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Dawn Frazer won the 100 metres freestyle to become the first athlete to win the same title in swimming at three consecutive Olympics.</p>

HTML <p>Bob Windle, Kevin Berry and Ian O’Brien won Gold Medals in swimming.</p>

HTML <p>Betty Cuthbert won the 400 metres track after being a Gold Medal winner at the shorter sprints in 1956.</p>

HTML <p>Bill Northam at the age of 59 won a Gold Medal in yachting.</p>

HTML <p>Australia won 18 medals: 6 Gold, 2 Silver and 10 Bronze.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Australian Men’s </strong><strong>Olympic </strong><strong>B</strong><strong>asketball Team </strong><strong>Preparation</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Prior to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics,Coach Stu Inman of San Jose College and Don Hogan of San JoseHigh School in the USA had came to Australia to assist in coaching in general and in the Australian Olympic Team’s Teams’ preparation. The Australian Team spent six weeks together in training prior to departure for Japan. </p>

HTML <p>In the final week of preparation the team was housed at Narrabeen Fitness Camp and travelled to North Sydney High School each day to practice. This meant three trips a day to the school a distance of 20 kilometres from the camp.The team manager Frank Angove commented, “Don Hogan did a magnificent job, working the squad at top pressure in each of the two three hour sessions held daily. Training was so exhaustive that players were ready for bed by 8pm. Names and reputations meant nothing to Don, who called a spade a spade when players did not give 100%.”</p>

HTML <p>Through this four day process Don Hogan assisted Australian Coach Keith Miller in ensuring that the team was the fittest and best defensive team in our history so far. </p>

HTML <p>The team played practice games against Newcastle and USS Enterprise, winning both games comfortably.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>The 196</strong><strong>4 </strong><strong>Olympic T</strong><strong>eam at </strong><strong>Narrabeen</strong><strong> Fitness Camp</strong><strong>Don Hogan is in th</strong><strong>e red top (</strong><strong>Courtesy </strong><strong>J. Heard)</strong></h2>

HTML <h2><strong>Bo</strong><strong>arding the plane to the 1964 Olympic Games </strong><strong>(</strong><strong>Courtesy </strong><strong>Adelaide News)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>On the way to Japan the team stopped over in the Philippines for games against Philippine Club teams. The first game against Yco-Ismail resulted in a draw. As the game was an exhibition game it was decided that no overtime would be played. The return game was won by Australia 62-57. In their next game Australia defeated Yutivo 72-59 and in their last game they defeated Yco-Tanduay 85-59. </p>

HTML <p>The Australian Team then stopped off in the Republic of China (Taiwan) for games against the Republic of China Team. The Australian Team was defeated in the first game 80-78, won the second game 87-76 and the last game 74-50.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>The </strong><strong>Australian Men’s T</strong><strong>eam arriving in Taiwan</strong><strong> (</strong><strong>Courtesy </strong><strong>M. Dancis)</strong></h2>

HTML <h2><strong>Olympic Finals Qualification Tournament Yokohama, Japan</strong></h2>

HTML <p>“We left Australia with a desire to create Australian basketball history by winning our way through the Qualification tournament and play in the Olympic Finals,” said Keith Miller the Coach.</p>

HTML <p>The Olympic Qualification Tournament was held in Yokohama, Japan. </p>

HTML <p>The Australians stayed at the magnificent Yokohama Prince Hotel with the best of everything, except for the fact that the sleeping accommodation was six persons to onelarge room.</p>

HTML <p>The Australians were to hear on arrival that East Germany and Czechoslovakia had dropped out of the Olympic Qualification Tournament.</p>

HTML <p>Tenteams competed in the Qualification Tournament, and four would go through to compete in the Finals in Tokyo. The Qualification Tournament was not without controversy as Indonesia refused to play Malaysia and Thailand, while Thailand refused to finish the game against Australia when Australia was clearly ahead.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 1: Australia</strong><strong> 75</strong><strong> v Canada</strong><strong> 53 (22-20)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>In the first half both teams defense dominated and Australia led 22-20 at half-time. Canada used their height under the basket to good effect.Australia relied on their superior fitness in the second half, upped the tempo and raced to a 17 point lead before the Canadians reduced the lead to 9 points. The Australians maintained an up-tempo game and started to run the bigger Canadians off their feet. Australia jumped away again to record a 73-53 victory.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia:</strong> Gaze 16, Wyatt 14, Dancis 8, Davie 6, Ah Matt 6, Cole 6, Linde 5, Hody 4, Heard 4, Gardiner 4.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 2: Australia</strong><strong> 71</strong><strong> v South Korea</strong><strong> 53 (31-30)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Australia went to their tallest line-up in this game and used a 2-1-2 zone effectively against the smaller Koreans. The Australians then launched into a zone press up the court and confused the Koreans before their speed began to break up the Aussie defense. Australia led at half-time 31-30 much of it on brilliant outside shooting from Werner Linde.In the second half Australia used all their players while Korea played only seven players and their fitness and pressure told for Australia. At one stage the Aussies substituted all five players and went into a full-court press with five fresh players. The Koreans were in foul trouble, and Australia was finding its way to the basket with ease. These easy basketsincluded two full-court dribbling baskets by Michael Ah Matt. The Australiansbuilt a commanding 18 point lead which they held to the final score 71-53.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia:</strong> Hody 23, Heard 13, Ah Matt 11, Linde 10, Gaze 5, Wyatt 4, Gardiner 2, Hackwill 2, Rodwell 1.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 3: Australia</strong><strong> 63</strong><strong> v Mexico</strong><strong> 75 (36-29)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Both teams started in man-to-man defense with Australia dropping into a zone press that confused the Mexicans and brought about a 32-16 lead for the Australians. The experienced Mexicans adjusted with some good press-breaker tactics and came back however and Australia led 36-29 at half-time. Mexico began to get on top in the second half although the Australians reverted to four different types of defense. A technical foul and three fouls in the back court against Australia saw the Aussies lose 75-63.Manager Angove commented, “A Uruguayan referee puzzled our players with some weird decisions. One absurd technical foul and three intentional fouls cost us 8 points.” Coach Keith Miller was more diplomatic and commented,“They were too good for us. They outplayed us in all departments.”</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia:</strong> Gaze 15, Wyatt 14, Hody 13, Linde 6, Heard 4, Cole 3, Hackwill 2, Rodwell 2 Gardiner 2, Ah Matt 2</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 4: Australia</strong><strong> 65 v Malaysia 44 (37-20)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Malaysia was no match for the taller more skilled Australians and at half-time Australia led 37-20. However Australia then ran into rebounding problems against the smaller Malaysians and failed to kick away but did go onto win 65-44. Coach Keith Miller was able to rest his main players and give his bench a good run.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia:</strong> Hody 18, Dancis 8, Cole 7, Rodwell 7, Hackwill 6, Linde 5, Gardiner 4, Davie 2, Heard 2, Wyatt 2, Ah Matt 2, Gaze 2</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 5: Australia</strong><strong> 64 v Taiwan 62 (32-28)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Australia had defeated Taiwan two games to one in exhibition games in Taiwan and they expected another hard contest. Australia scored well early to take a good lead. Then they seemed to tire and led 32-28 at half-time. The game was close all through the second half. Australia worked to a one point lead with 30 seconds to play in the game. The Taiwanese had two free-throws, made one and the game was tied. Australia held on to the ball with 20 seconds of the game to go before Lindsay Gaze sank a basket with three seconds to play for a 64-62 win. The Australians celebrated and swarmed the court with such excitement that Michael Ah Matt was struck above the eye by a team-mate and needed three stitches to his head. The close and dramatic win, the wound to Ah Matt and the photographs of the celebration graced the Australian newspapers next day and brought greater public attention to the team back home.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia:</strong> Hody 15, Wyatt 10, Gaze 10, Heard 9, Linde 7, Hackwill 4, Cole 3, Ah Matt 2, Gardiner 2, Dancis 2.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>The Australians celebrate Lindsay Gaze’s winning basket against Taiwan (</strong><strong>Courtesy </strong><strong>IOC)</strong></h2>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 6: Australia 71 </strong><strong>v Philippines</strong><strong> 69 (28-32)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Australia started in man-to-man defense and switched to zone and back again but the Philippines were prepared for these tactics and led 32-28 at half-time. The Philippines were fouling the Aussies heavily but the Australians failed to take advantage by only scoring 11 points from 26 free-throw attempts. In contrast their opponents made 17 of their 21 free-throw attempts. The Australians were controlling the rebounding and that was keeping them ahead. Australia hung on for a 71-69 win.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia:</strong> Hody 22, Gaze 12, Heard 8, Wyatt 7, Hackwill 6, Rodwell 4, Gardiner 4, Linde 3, Cole 3, Dancis 2</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 7: Australia 77 </strong><strong>v Cuba</strong><strong> 65 (38-26)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>The Australians knew that if they won the game against Cuba they would be going to the Finals in Tokyo. The Cuban players were great rebounders and the Australians knew they would have to use switching zone defences to combat the Cuban advantage in rebounding. Australia started in a 2-1-2 zone and jumped to a 10-2 lead. The use of a zone press saw Australia to a 38-26 lead at half-time. This lead increased to 22 points during the second half and even though the Cubans came back at them the determined Australians won 77-65. Australia had won six games in eight days.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia:</strong> Ah Matt 16, Wyatt 14, Hody 13, Linde 8, Gaze 6, Dancis 6, Davie 4, Hackwill 4, Heard 4, Cole 2</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 8: Australia</strong><strong> 82 v Indonesia 69 (32-29)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Even though Australians knew they were going to the Finals in Tokyo they did not reduce their efforts. The Indonesians were a very quick team but the Aussies had their measure in the rebounding.They took a 32-29 half-time lead to an 82-68 victory.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia:</strong> Hody 18, Gardiner 10, Cole 10, Rodwell 10, Gaze 6, Dancis 6, Heard 5, Ah Matt 5, Davie 2, Hackwill 2, Wyatt 2.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 9: Australia </strong><strong>58 </strong><strong>v Thailand</strong><strong> 45 (31-32)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Again the pressure of winning was off, and again all players saw court time for Australia. The game had a dramatic conclusion when a Thai player was sent off for tripping. While the Australian player was attempting his free-throws the Thais walked back and forwards across the keyhole. Another technical foul was called on the Thais so they staged a walk-out and the game was awarded to the Australians 58-45 after much discussion by officials. The Thai coach (an American) remarked, “I forfeited the match because the boys decided they were not getting fair breaks.” He added, “I have no complaints about the refereeing.”</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia:</strong> Wyatt 19, Hackwill 7, Hody 7, Gaze 6, Davie 6, Heard 4, Ah Matt 4, Rodwell 2, Dancis 2, Gardiner 2</p>

HTML <p>All players played in every game and the Australian Team played magnificently. In particular they upset the opposition with their strong switching defenses. </p>

HTML <p>Australia had surprised the basketball world by defeating all teams in the tournament except Mexico.</p>

HTML <p>Australia finished equal first with Mexico. The team received enormous press and attention in Yokohama and back home in Australia.</p>

HTML <p>The top four teams: Mexico (8 wins/1 loss); Australia (8 wins/1 loss); Canada (7 wins/2 losses); and Korea (6 wins/3 losses) qualified for the Olympic Finals in Tokyo.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>The Olympic Village</strong></h2>

HTML <p>The Olympic Village was mainly built on area controlled by the US Armed Forces called Washington Heights. The area was passed to the Japanese after the Olympics. The main Village was at Yoyogi and another four Villages were close to various venues.</p>

HTML <p>Brendon Hackwill (left) and John Gardiner in the dining room at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Village (J. Gardiner)</p>

HTML <h2><strong>The Opening Ceremony</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Yoshinori Sakai a survivor of the atomic bomb blast on Hiroshima was the final Olympic Torch bearer of the Olympic Flame and lit the Olympic Cauldron at the Games Opening Ceremony. The Games were officially opened by Emperor Hirohito on October 10th at the National Olympic Stadium in Tokyo.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>The </strong><strong>Olympic</strong><strong> Basketball Tournament</strong><strong> Tokyo</strong></h2>

HTML <p>The Australian Basketball Team received a terrific reception from the other Australian athletes as well as Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) officials when they arrived at the Tokyo Olympic Village The celebrations even included the singing of “They Are Jolly Good Fellows” reported Al Ramsay the Australian Team Assistant Manager. AAP reported “They…the Australian Basketball Team…arrived at Yoyogi Olympic Village here last night to a noisy and enthusiastic welcome from the Australians already in the Village. While one Australian blew a fanfare on a bugle others carried Section Manager Frank Angove shoulder high from the bus.”</p>

HTML <p>The Olympic Basketball Tournament in Tokyo was held in the new National Basketball Gymnasium-stadium with seating for 6,000 people. </p>

HTML <p>The Australians, who must have been exhausted after playing nine games in Yokohama, played a practice game against the US Forces All Stars.</p>

HTML <p>The sixteen nations participating in the Finals were divided into two groups of eight. The top two teams in each group would contest the medals while each twopairs of teams in order of wins would play off for positions5 to 16. The Australians were placed in the tougher of the two pools.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Group A:</strong> Canada, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Puerto Rico and the Soviet Union.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Group B:</strong> Australia, Brazil, Korea, USA, Finland, Peru, Uruguay, and Yugoslavia.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 1: Australia </strong><strong>45 </strong><strong>v USA</strong><strong> 78 (20-36)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Australia started the Finals with the toughest of oppositions, the USA, a country who had never lost a basketball game at Olympic competition. The Australians played without fear and were only down 36-20 at half-time and were demonstrating how strong their defenses were. The USA was getting away with goal-tending where they “swotted” the ball away from the basket even though the ball was on a downward path. Despite these violations the Australians carried on strongly but were inevitably beaten 78-45.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia:</strong> Ah Matt 11, Hody 7, Wyatt 6, Gaze 6, Hackwill 4, Cole 3, Davie 2, Linde 2, Rodwell 2, Dancis 2. Shooting: 18/67, Free-throws: 9/20, Dancis 5 fouls</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Mike Dancis</strong><strong> (11) and </strong><strong>Lindsay Gaze</strong><strong> (14) against the USA</strong><strong> (Courtesy IOC</strong><strong>)</strong></h2>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 2: Australia</strong><strong> 81</strong><strong> v Peru</strong><strong> 62 (47-33)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Peru had beaten the World Champions Brazil the night before so the Aussies knew they were in for a hard match.</p>

HTML <p>After 15 minutes Australia led by 14 points. Keith Miller the Coach said afterwards, “We must have only missed 4 shots in the first half.”At half-time the Australians led 47-33 in a high scoring game. The Peruvians never seriously threatened the Australians after that. Five of the Peruvians fouled out and the team received two technical fouls. Australia’s shooting percentagewas at near 50% for the game and they ran out easy winners 81-62.“Terrific,” replied the players when asked what they thought of the game as they went to the locker room. Bill Wyatt was brilliant on offense. He was strongly supported by Les Hody, Lindsay Gaze and Captain John Heard. The whole team played well.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia:</strong> Wyatt 28, Gaze 20, Hody 16, Heard 10, Dancis 2, Hackwill 2, Ah Matt 2, Cole 1 Shooting: 35/73, Free-throws: 11/18, Dancis, Hackwill 5 fouls.</p>

HTML <p>Mike Dancis in the centre jump while Mike Ah Matt (8) awaits the outcome (courtesy IOC)</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 3: </strong><strong>Australia</strong><strong> 70</strong><strong> v Yugoslavia</strong><strong> 74 (32-33)</strong></h2>

HTML <p> Australia’s next game against Yugoslavia was to be pivotal in the final positions for Australia. Yugoslavia had secured 6th place in the RomeOlympics and was a powerful team.The game was evenly contested throughout the early stages. Australia was using their 2-1-2 zone to combat the taller Yugoslavians. However the Australians were racking up a lot of fouls in their attempts to stop the bigger opposition. At half-time Yugoslavia led 33-32. In the second half the Australians switched their defenses continually and got good rewards out of their zone presses to get to a five point lead.</p>

HTML <p>With nine seconds to play in the game the Australians led by two points and had possession. Yugoslavia fouled the Australians who then missed both free-throws and the Yugoslavians scored a basket just prior to the full-time whistle and the game went into overtime. </p>

HTML <p>The experience of the Yugoslavians showed in the extra period and they won 74-70 against a very disappointed Australian Team.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia:</strong>Wyatt 19, Gaze 13, Heard 10, Ah Matt 10, Hody 7, Cole5, Davie 3, Hackwill 3, Gardiner 1. Shooting: 30/87, Free-throws: 10/18, Ken Cole 5 fouls.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 4: Australia</strong><strong> 65</strong><strong> v South Korea</strong><strong> 58 (31-29)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Having defeated the Koreans in Yokohama the Australian’s had every right to be confident but took no chances and played tight man-to-man defense to lead by 31-29 at half-time. In the second half the Aussies made too many errors and the Koreans made a run but Australia stayed firm and won 65-58.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia:</strong> Rodwell 16, Linde 14, Wyatt 8,Gardiner 7, Cole 6, Hody 6, Hackwill 2, Heard 2, Dancis 2, Gaze 2Shooting: 27/79, Free-throws: 11/12</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 5: Australia</strong><strong> 59</strong><strong> v Finland</strong><strong> 61 (26-31)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>After a day rest the Australians took on a strong Finland team. At half-time the Finns had moved to a 31-26 lead. After the interval the Australians got to within a point with six seconds to go and had possession to score the winning basket to win the game. The Finns played aggressive defense and forced the Australian dribbling the ball to travel (some players say the Australian player dribbling the ball was blatantly pushed) and the Australians lost possession.The Australians had to foul and the Finns scored a free-throw to win 61-59.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia:</strong> Wyatt 20, Gaze 13, Heard 10, Hody 9, Ah Matt 3, Hackwill 2, Rodwell 2. Shooting: 24/76, Free-throws 11/18, Carl Rodwell 5 fouls.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 6: Australia</strong><strong> 57</strong><strong> v Uruguay</strong><strong> 58 (29-30)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Perhaps the Australians were tiring as they had so far played 14 games in the two tournaments and they were lethargic against Uruguay in the first half before roaring back to be down 30-29 at half-time. In the second half there was another controversial finish when in the last 15 seconds of the game an Australian with the ball was knocked to the floor, no foul was called and Uruguay scored a basket to lead by three. Australia scored a quick reply(no 3 point baskets at this time) but lost 58-57.</p>

HTML <p>The Australians, for the second time in a few days, felt that poor refereeing had let them down.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia:</strong> Wyatt 17, Rodwell 16, Hody 8, Gaze 6, Gardiner 2, Dancis 2, Ah Matt 2, Hackwill 2, Davie 2 Shooting: 26/71, Free-throws: 5/10. Wyatt 5 fouls.</p>

HTML <p>John Heard (6) defends a lay-up while Michael Ah Matt (8) and Les Hody (13) await the outcome (Courtesy L. Hody))</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 7: Australia</strong><strong> 57</strong><strong> v Brazil</strong><strong> 69 (24-28)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Australia opposed Brazil in the last game of the round robin series. Australia used a 2-1-2 zone against the taller Brazilians and went to half-time down 28-24. In the second half Carl Rodwell the Australians tall centre injured his ankle (the first severe injury for the team in their 16 games at the Olympics). The loss of his height and rebounding hampered the Aussies and they were beaten 69-57 by a better opponent.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia:</strong> Wyatt 25, Hody 10, Cole 6, Gaze 4, Rodwell 4, Heard 4, Davie 2, Hackwill 2. Shooting: 23/69, Free-throws: 11/21</p>

HTML <p>The final positions in Group B were: USA (7-0) Brazil (5-2); Yugoslavia (5-2); Uruguay (4-3); Finland (3-4); Australia (2-5); Peru (2-5), Korea (0-7).</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Playoffs</strong><strong> for 9</strong><strong>th</strong><strong> to 12</strong><strong>th</strong><strong> positions</strong><strong>:</strong></h2>

HTML <p> The results of the round robin tournament saw Australia playing off for 9thto 12th position against Mexico, Finland and Japan.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 8: Australia</strong><strong> 70</strong><strong> v Mexico</strong><strong> 58 (33-25)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>The Australians needed to win this game to play the winner of the Japan-Finland match for 9th position.</p>

HTML <p>Mexico was the only team to defeat Australia in the Yokohama Qualification Tournament and the Australians were keyed for the return match. Australia opened in a 1-3-1 zone and surprised the Mexicans. The Mexicans relied on a 1-3-1 set-up on offense and the Aussies “match-up” zone confused them. The tactic was so successful that the Australians stayed in the zone for most of the game and defeated Mexico 70-58. </p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia</strong><strong>:</strong> Wyatt 16, Gaze 14, Ah Matt 13, Hackwill 12, Hody 8, Cole 3, Gardiner 2, Heard 2. Shooting 24/84 Free-throws 22/ 29 Les Hody 5 fouls.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 9: Australia</strong><strong> 64</strong><strong> v Japan</strong><strong> 57 (39-29)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Australia now met Japan for ninth and tenth position in their final game of their tournament. The Japanese were a very strong defensive team and had been coached for three months by the famous US coach Pete Newell and had the backing of a very parochial home crowd.</p>

HTML <p>Australia’s 2-1-2 zone disrupted the Japanese and Australia led 39-29 at half-time. In the second half the Australian Team switched zones defenses constantly from the 2-1-2 to a 1-3-1 back to 2-1-2 to confuse the Japanese to bring about a64-57 win and ninth position.Gaze, Cole, Heard and Wyatt were the stars for the Aussies while MichaelAhMatt showed off his extensive dribbling and passing skills. </p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia</strong><strong>:</strong> Gaze 16, Cole 10, Heard 8, Wyatt 8, Ah Matt 6, Hackwill 5, Hody 5, Rodwell 4, Gardiner 2. Shooting 28/64 free-throws 8/12 </p>

HTML <h2><strong>The Olympic </strong><strong>Basketball </strong><strong>Medal Games</strong></h2>

HTML <p>USA 73 def Puerto Rico 42(23-24)</p>

HTML <p>Soviet Union 53 def Brazil 47(22-19)</p>

HTML <p>USA 73 def Soviet Union 59(39-31) Gold Medal Game</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Final Classification</strong></h2>

HTML <p>1. USA </p>

HTML <p>2.Soviet Union </p>

HTML <p>3.Brazil</p>

HTML <p> 4. Puerto Rico </p>

HTML <p>5. Italy </p>

HTML <p>6. Poland </p>

HTML <p>7. Yugoslavia</p>

HTML <p> 8. Uruguay </p>

HTML <p>9. Australia </p>

HTML <p>10. Japan </p>

HTML <p>11. Finland </p>

HTML <p>12. Mexico </p>

HTML <p>13. Hungary </p>

HTML <p>14. Canada </p>

HTML <p>15. Peru </p>

HTML <p>16. Korea</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Overview</strong></h2>

HTML <p>The 1964 Australian Olympic Basketball Team played with great pride and above all expectations, except perhaps their own. There is no doubt that their fierce pressuring and mixing of defenses honed in the camp at Narrabeen was a strong technical factor in their performances. They played through the tough Yokohama Olympic Qualification Tournament and then on to the Olympic Tournament with barely a break. If it hadn’t been for the two very controversial losses to Uruguay and Finlandin the Finals they could have been playing off for a sixth or seventh position.</p>

HTML <p>The 9th position by Australia was a meteoric rise in world basketball rankings. In his Official Report Coach Keith Miller sums up. “I quote from one high official who said that above all else in the 1964 Olympic Games Australia was the most improved of all the basketball nations.”</p>

HTML <p>The irony was that if the Australians had secured a top eight position they would have been an automatic entry to the Olympic Finals at the Mexico City Olympics four years later. (This turned out to be very important as in Mexico the Australians failed to win a game in the Qualification tournament and did not go through to the Finals in Mexico City).</p>

HTML <p>Team Manager Frank Angove stated in his report.“Australian coach Keith Miller, skillfully handled the team, giving all players good court time and selecting the best style of play for each game. Nine weeks together is a sound testing period and I cannot over-praise the players.” Angove also commented, “Referee Sid Taylor (Australia) held his own with the better referees of the Games and his dedication and experience gained will be of inestimable value to Australian basketball.” </p>

HTML <p>Lindsay Gaze a player on the team says, “The Tokyo Olympics may have been the time when Australia first gained its reputation of being under-sized over achievers”.</p>

HTML <p>Back home in Australia the efforts of the Australian Team had received wide publicity and this was a tremendous boost for the profile of the game in Australia. Manager Angove commented in his report, “Australian Basketball received more publicity than ever before….mainly because of Australia’s success at Yokohama before the Olympics began.”</p>

HTML <p>TheAustralian Men’s Basketball Team had played a staggering eighteen games in the two tournaments. This is totally unheard of in today’s Olympic basketball competitions where teams are divided into groups, proceed to knock-out games and then playoff games…..thereby playing perhaps 6-8 games total. In addition Qualification Tournaments are now played in zones and many months prior to the Olympics.</p>

HTML <p>Such was the 1964 Australian Men’s Basketball Team’s performance that Australia was able to argue with FIBA for the creation of an Oceania Zone for basketball. This was agreed to after much lobbying and politics the Oceania Zone was created whereby the winner of the zone qualified for Olympic and World Championships. This rule was applied for the 1972 Olympic Games and for every Olympics since.</p>

HTML <p>Australian Referee Sid Taylor refereed in the Olympic finals in Tokyo and demonstrated that the Australian game had reached new levels in that part of the game. </p>

HTML <p>Delegate also used the Games to make good contacts and put views that would bear fruit in four years time in Mexico City when Australia proposed the formation of an Oceania Qualification Zone.</p>

HTML <p>Australia’s great performance had two major ramifications. First, Australia and New Zealand’s application to compete in the Asian zone was now feared by the Asian countries. Second when proposed, in Mexico City four years later, that a qualification zone be created for Oceania, the proposal was passed without objection. </p>

HTML <p>The 1964 Australian Olympic Men’s Basketball Team at the team announcement after the Australian Championships (J. Heard)</p>

HTML <p>Back row left to right: Al Ramsay (Assistant Manager/Delegate), Sid Taylor (Referee), </p>

HTML <p>Carl Rodwell, Ken Cole, Les Hody, John Gardiner, Brendon Hackwill, Mike Dancis, Frank Angove (Manager), Keith Harris (Coach)</p>

HTML <p>Front row left to right: Scott Davie, Bill Wyatt, Lindsay Gaze, John Heard (Capt), Michael Ah Matt, Werner Linde.</p>

HTML <p> (The photograph was taken after the final of the Australian Championships and the announcement of the Olympic Team and the players are still in their State uniforms and blazers)</p>

HTML <p>The 1964 Australian Olympic Basketball Team at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games (M. Dancis)</p>