Former Santa Barbara High, UCLA and Lakers great Jamaal Wilkes was the guest host as the Santa Barbara Court of Champions added seven new basketball stars to its roster. Wilkes won two NCAA titles at UCLA and four NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers.
The Court of Champions Dinner was hosted by Laddie and Linda Seals-Handleman.
The following 7 members were recognized and honored for their accomplishments and contributions to the Santa Barbara community:
Sonny Allen: Head Coach of the 1989-90 Santa Barbara Islanders, the L.A. Lakers minor league affiliate of the CBA
Sampson Brue: NBA Referee Scouting Lead who reffed many games in the area at all levels
Keith Closs: 7’3″ center who played 3 years for the LA Clippers, Harlem Globetrotters and the Santa Barbara Breakers
Linda Dawson: A former basketball and volleyball standout at UCSB, she coached girls volleyball and basketball at Bishop Diego High, leading the Cardinal spikers to four CIF championships and the basketball squad to CIF AA crowns in 1977 and 1978.
Leslie Ford-Grieve: Played at SBHS, SBCC, UCSB and still holds rebounding records at each school.
Herb Livsey: Denver Nuggets scout for 22 years; founded Snow Valley Basketball Camps.
Joe Vaughan: Played at Westmont College and coached Buena High girls to State Championships.