DAVID WEINER

ALMOST 600 members of the Sydney Jewish community led by family, friends, the Maccabi community and basketball greats gathered at CarriageWorks on Saturday night to pay tribute to former Sydney Kings owner Mike Wrublewski.

The event celebrated his 63rd birthday, but doubled as a rousing tribute to Wrublewski as he bravely fights pancreatic cancer.

“Even today I still don’t believe them and I still won’t accept that the prognosis they’ve given me is the prognosis that I’ve got,” Wrublewski told the packed audience.

“I’ll do everything to fight it, and if we can have another bloody reunion next year, it’ll be worth it. And if we can’t, well, I want you to know I’ve got absolutely no regrets.”

An emotional Wrublewski took the microphone after being appointed Sydney Maccabi Basketball’s patron in perpetuity by current president Michael America. The night was full of anecdotes and memories in a “roast” from a panel, led by his brother Harry and former Kings star and Fox Sports personality Steve Carfino.

Tom Goldman and Tom York reflected on their friend’s progression from a passionate Maccabi participant into a Maccabi Australia president, the creator of Maccabi Junior Carnival, Maccabiah head of delegation and member of the Maccabi World Union.

Former Kings colleagues Lorraine Landon, Andrew Lazarus, coach Bob Turner and almost every player recruited by Wrublewski to the Sydney Kings and Sydney Flames came on stage for a nostalgic look at basketball’s halcyon days in Sydney under Wrublewski’s stewardship.

Former Kings coach Bob Turner flew in from Singapore and Kings stars from the mid-1990s Dwayne “The D-Train” McClain and Leon “Above Da Rim” Trimmingham came from America for the event, where they paid homage to the man who revolutionised sport in Australia by making the Kings the country’s first professional outfit with full-time paid players.

But for all the achievements listed and tributes paid to Wrublewski, he thanked the packed audience for their role in his life.

“I know that you’re all saying that I have added to your life, but you’ve added to my life,” he said. “It’s a very special time in my life.”

The function also launched the Michael Wrublewski Foundation, which will provide support for any young athlete in need.

Photos from the function