Albert Leslie
Born in Woolloomooloo, NSW Albert quickly became the pride of the town.
Starting in 1960 with the Under 16 NSW State Team, Albert continued to represent NSW consecutively until 1964 in the Senior Men’s state team. Returning for one year in 1969.
Albert made the move to South Adelaide’s Men’s team in 1965 where the team took the premiership. Albert’s success with South Australian teams continued representing the SA Senior Men’s State team in 1966 and becoming Australian Champions. Albert returned to the SA Men’s states team in 1967-68 as the Australian Runner-Ups.
Albert won the Kay’s Trophy (highest votes for U20 in the Woollacott medal, now known as the Frank Angove Award) in 1966 with his debut with United Church Men’s team. He continued with United in 1967 winning the Woollacott Medal.
1968 saw Albert make the Australian Olympic Team that went to Mexico for a pre-Olympic tournament. An incredible achievement for the young and tremendously talented player.
Albert returned to his NSW roots representing Sydney YMCA for four consecutive years in 1969, 1970, 1971 and 1972. During this time, he achieved selection in another Australian National Team this time heading to the World Championships in Yugoslavia.
The SA Men’s State Team were graced with the return of Albert in 1973 for the Philippines Tour. This tour gave the SA Men the opportunity to play against the Philippines National Team.
Forestville Eagles Men’s team carried out the final years of Alberts playing career before his venture in the coaching space.
Albert’s coaching style achieved greatness from his players. Utilising his humble demeanour, knowledge, and experience of the game he was able to get the best out of his players. As head coach Albert lead the SA Under 20 Men’s team to Championship in 1986 and stayed on with the team until 1989.
Albert’s coaching success continued with a SEBL Championship as the Head Coach of the Adelaide Buffalos. The completion of his coaching career came with Albert joining the Adelaide 36ers as their Assistant.
Outside of his playing and coaching career Albert has reach phenomenal feats becoming an Adelaide 36ers Life Member, participating in the 2000 Olympics Relay, being the first junior from Woolloomooloo to represent State’s and gain and Olympic selection. Albert is a past secretary of the Olympians club, a Basketball SA Participant Life Member and won two MVP awards as part of the Forestville Eagles.
