The world of Israeli basketball in all its shades and teams united this morning (Monday) to pay their last respects and accompany to eternal rest Willie Sims, one of the greatest Israeli players who played in the league in the eighties and nineties.
The late Sims had a heart attack in August and has since been hospitalized in serious condition in the hospital where he is unconscious.
Last week, at the age of 64, he passed away.
The former player played for many years in Israel, including five seasons in Maccabi Tel Aviv, and also played in Hapoel Tel Aviv, starred in Elizur Netanya, Maccabi Haifa, Maccabi Hadera and Hapoel Eilat.
Sims' widow, Ariella, paid tribute to her husband:
"I've been waiting so long for you to come home and I'm so sorry that this is the event we're organizing for you. My love, thank you for choosing me for 39 years. I'm so lucky and I'm sure we'll meet again someday. My love, we've had 3 children to the world and we have two grandchildren. This is the best gift you could have given me. You came into this world as an angel and influenced many people with your smile and your giving."
Willie's daughter, Danielle Sims, said goodbye:
"Dad, the last four months were our chance to say goodbye to you, to share feelings that I did not share with you. I am proud that I could stand by your side as you stood by me, to be proud of my color and my history. I drew strength from you, your sense of humor I will miss you the most. You always found the time to laugh. You are a unique soul, you didn't know any other way."
"Music was also your passion, always music in your background, people knew they didn't just come to practice with you, but also to party. I love you and miss you. I can't believe I won't see your name on the phone screen and ask how I'm doing. You always wanted to be involved , you didn't hesitate to offer help, from assembling furniture to driving me in the middle of the night. You were the best father in the world, even when you trained Dan and said he would carry on your tradition. You will always be in my heart, I love you."
The chairman of Maccabi Tel Aviv, Shimon Mizrahi, also paid tribute to Sims:
"It is a very difficult situation to come here and say goodbye to a character like Willie Sims. He was an athlete in all of his limbs and all his strength. He was a leader, he helped gather the players around him, To lead them to victories and achievements. The spirit he knew how to instill around him, that was his greatness. In his peace of mind, in the way he knew how to manage the game and make the team as unique as it is. He is another one of the athletes like Blatt and Brody, whom Maccabiah brought to Israel and Israel knew how to embrace them. It's a shame that we are in such a difficult position."
Zvika Sharaf:
"Willy was a special person. In recent years, he was a dedicated fitness trainer, one of the best in Israel, who would demonstrate how to perform exercises more than the trainees themselves. He had a special charm. I will never forget how he guarded San Epifino in Barcelona, the same player who would come today Easily to the NBA. I sat on the bench and was amazed to see how he neutralized him. There are of course many more memories, but I will always remember him as a good person."
Doron Gemchi also said goodbye to his friend who played with him in Maccabi Tel Aviv:
"Music lover, family man.
tough player
I said and I'll say it again - when you play in a team, it's fun to have such a character with you, who combines mental toughness and, on the other hand, gentleness and gentlemen.
never ending smile
This is what I will remember from Willie Sims.
Visually it remains the same.
A solid rock, a hunk of muscle, a fitness trainer loved by his trainees.
We all looked at him and said 'look what a horse, how he is kept'.
This is a very big blow."
Mickey Berkovich said sadly:
"Willy was one of the greatest players to come to the State of Israel. He came to us through Maccabiah and played in the best and most talented teams in Israeli basketball. We will all miss him very much."
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