Ron Putzi

Ron had a long and illustrious basketball career that started with the Richmond Colts; four years with the NCAA Division 1 New Mexico State Aggies and then played professionally for 10 years in Europe. Ron also represented Canada on the international level for many years and won a silver medal at the 1991 World University Games.

Richmond Roots Ron grew up in Richmond and attended McKay, Burnett and Richmond High. In his youth, he played badminton, soccer, track and field, volleyball and gymnastics. At a young age Ron found his passion in basketball, which was further cultivated by Richmond High coach, Bill Disbrow.

Did You Know At 8 years old, Ron walked 135 feet on his hands at Hugh Boyd winning the Hand-Stand-Walk-A-Thon fundraiser.

Barriers Overcome Ron played his grade 11 year at Richmond High with his left patella (kneecap) in four pieces. After the season, Ron had surgery and two large pieces were arthroscopically removed.

Recognition In 2000, Ron was named to BC’s All-time Best Basketball Players Dream Team alongside Steve Nash. The Vancouver Sun named Ron the 1980’s player of the decade. In 2015 the 1988 Colts team was inducted into the Richmond Sports Wall of Fame and in 2018; he was inducted to Basketball BC’s Hall of Fame.

Championship Was part of the undefeated Richmond Colts who won back-to-back Provincial titles. Also won the 1992 NCAA Big West Conference Championships, 2000 Swiss National A League Champions and five Dolphin Park Championships.

Contribution to Richmond Sport Ron helped the growth of the Developmentally Challenged Youth Basketball Association. He was instrumental in raising over $2.2 million in high school basketball scholarships and is a current director of Canada One Athletic Foundation.