Karl joined Solent Stars for its first season in the English Basketball League. He won league winners medals in the next three seasons before transferring to Birmingham Bullets. He was also named England’s Basketball Player of the Year for the 1982/83 season, the same year he picked up the Solent Stars Player of the Year award.
In his time with the club he played for England and the Great Britain Olympic team. One of his England appearances was against Solent Stars in a friendly game.
He was a favourite of the crowd and on his first return to play for Birmingham against Solent Stars ‘he was given a warm welcome by the home crowd’.
On a personal level, Karl was a true sportsman, ever modest and always giving of a 100% performance in all games.
I remember how he wanted to play in a soccer match and was able to arrange for him to have a game with my college staff team. He gave a creditable performance although I was worried that by his whole-hearted approach he might be injured and I would have a lot of explaining to do!
His testimony must be that for such a short time with the club he made such an indelible impression of all that is good in a professional sportsman.
Jim Rumsey
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