FOURTEEN of Wimmera's greatest basketball players have been immortalised.
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Horsham Amateur Basketball Association unveiled a photographic mural at the Horsham Basketball Stadium on Sunday to honour the region's top players.
The 'Culture of Champions' mural features athletes who have played National Basketball League, National Basketball Association, Women's National Basketball League, Women's National Basketball Association, or have represented Australia at any level.
Players featured on the mural are Chloe Bibby, Jannik Blair, Aaron Bruce, Shaun Bruce, Ashley Constable, Mitch Creek, Joel Emmett, Owen Hughan, Melissa McClure, Shane McDonald, Liam Norton, John Philip, Jason Souter and Steph St John.
Horsham Basketball Association president Owen Hughan said country players were often faced with more challenges than their city counterparts.
"When I first came to the country I realised how hard it was for players in the country. Here we have to travel two hours to practice or to play. It's an incredible effort to make it," he said.
"We've punched well above our weight with the players we've had emerge. But this is basically a celebration, for not just the kids that have gone onto a very high level, but all the people who have come through the association."
Aaron and Shaun Bruce, Joel Emmett, Liam Norton and Steph St John attended the unveiling and spoke about their careers.
Aaron Bruce played college basketball for Baylor University in Waco, Texas, before playing in the NBL for the Adelaide 36ers and the Sydney Kings. He has also played for the Australian Boomers.
Mr Bruce said it was important for aspiring players to set goals.
"They don't always have to be realistic. Just know that there are going to be days that will be hard; being successful doesn't come easy. Don't beat yourself up if you don't meet those goals," he said.
His younger brother Shaun has played for the Cairns Taipans, Brisbane Bullets, Adelaide 36ers and Sydney Kings. He encouraged other aspiring players to 'keep going'.
"As long as you're enjoying it that's the main thing no matter what level you're playing. I'm still playing today because I still love it," he said.
Joel Emmett has represented both Victoria and Australia, including winning a bronze medal for Australia at the World Dwarf Games in 2017.
"I feel extremely privileged; I can't believe the number of people who have showed up," Mr Emmett said.
HABA's Rebecca McIntyre said the mural also represented the efforts of volunteers.
"It's important to acknowledge those who have come before, and those who will come after. You can't get 14 people to this level without hundreds of others behind the scenes," she said.
It was announced on Sunday that Horsham Basketball Stadium's court one has been officially renamed the Owen Hughan Court, while the referee's room has been renamed the Kerry Pearce Room.
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