Former Brixton Topcats basketball Coach Jimmy Rogers has died at the age of 78. The local hero was responsible for setting up the Topcats and mentoring thousands of Brixton youngsters.
He lost a six month battle with cancer on Monday morning.
A statement from Brixton Topcats summed up the feeling for many in the community:
“Jimmy’s work and commitment to his community is unmatched. A father figure, coach, mentor and guide to innumerable people, Jimmy had the purest heart of gold.
Jimmy was a man that sacrificed, served, gave in immeasurable ways to his community in and outside of Brixton Topcats where he created a home away from home for thousands of players.
Jimmy’s legacy, influence and work will live on forever. He will be sorely missed and our thoughts, prayers, love and support are with his family and his friends at this difficult time.”
Jimmy first established the informal Brixton Topcats basketball club in 1981. Three years later the club received funding from Lambeth Council to help establish a training base at Brixton Rec.
The Topcats have maintained an ethos of inclusivity regardless of talent, right from the start under the guidance of Jimmy. Local kids were never turned away from coaching sessions. Jimmy was passionate about working with everyone in the community.
A no tolerance attitude was taken for behaviour both on and off the court. The highly successful take up of this policy shows the respect that Jimmy Rogers was able to command across generations of Brixton kids.
His expert coaching skills led to some high profile players emerging out of the ranks of the Topcats at the Rec. The most celebrated is the NBA star Luol Deng who now plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Team GB players also emerged under the coaching of Jimmy, including Eric Boateng, Justin Robinson and Matthew Bryan-Amaning.
The Topcats took the tough decision in 2016 to put on hold the senior men and women’s teams. Instead a policy of coaching juniors was put in place to help basketball have a future in Brixton.
Although no longer officially coaching, Jimmy remained on the sidelines at the Rec right up until that final season, still giving encouragement and sharing his knowledge.
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the loss of Coach Jimmy Rogers. The basketball legend passed away this morning surrounded by a friend and family members, after a 6 month battle with cancer. Our love and support is with his family and friends at this time. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/0StaO3sY1R
— Brixton Topcats (@brixtontopcats) October 1, 2018
Image: Brixton Topcats.
*Edited to correctly state Jimmy’s age as 78.
I rarely make posts about the deceased however when I heard about a gentleman and good friend who kicked off my media career then this is something well worth sharing. Jimmy Rogers opened the door for me to spread my news about his Brixton Topcats Basketball Club and beyond around the world and I truly thank him for that.
Liverpool born and bred and Liverpool FC fan Jimmy was a true role model to the poor working class, especially the ethnic minorities, and was an inspiration to many of them including myself. He got youngsters off the streets and genuinally pursued them to make a career for themselves and also learn the artful skill of Basketball at Brixton Recreation Centre, London, England. He has heart of pure gold and one of life’s genuine people.
I will always be grateful to Jimmy and for the help he has given me to succeed. Thanks for the memories sir and you will never walk alone. RIP ☹
What a legend. He’s a inspiration to all! Will sadly be missed. RIP Jimmy.
Jimmy was one of very few people who gave so much to basketball rather than just taking things from it. Jimmy and Humph Long were two of a kind who both cared passionately for young people and helping them through life.
Jimmy You we’re a Star. You helped so many kids, gave so much to the community and had a great sense of humour. Brixton will miss you. Best wishes, thanks and condolences to you family. Lyn
Deeply saddened to hear the death of my former mentor Jimmy Rogers from our Liverpool days. steve Latham ex international basketball player
Hi Steve – I’ve been trying to track you down for a project I’m working on about Bill McInnes. Might you be able to drop me an email at matthew.halliwell4@gmail.com to connect? Thanks! Matt