Jasper McElroy will go down as one of the best ever to play basketball in Ireland never mind Cork

The debate about who was the greatest American to grace the basketball courts of Ireland will always generate different answers but the name of Jasper McElroy has some serious support, particularly among the Blue Demons faithful.

Jasper recently was in Cork for the Team Britvic 40th anniversary and it was a pleasure to catch up with him for a recap on those memorable days.

“I didn’t have an agent back in the time but when Barry Deasy of Blue Demons saw I was in the top 25 players in the country that hadn’t made the draft, he sold the Blue Demons club to me,” McElroy said.

He had many offers from European countries but after failing to make the NBA he decided to go back to his college at Western Michigan to secure his degree. Thankfully for Demons, the brilliant basketballer decided to choose their club as he recalled his impressions of Cork when he arrived in 1983.

“I had looked at the film The Quiet Man so I was judging Ireland on those surroundings before I arrived but when I landed and saw people were civilized and could speak good English, I was pleasantly surprised."

The popular American played for seven seasons in Ireland and amazingly when returning home at the age of 29 decided to retire.

“This might sound strange, but I always had a vision and although my professional career only lasted seven years when you compare me to other players.

“The reason for me was simple is that I wanted to go out at the top of my game as I had watched certain players who played longer but after starting as great players their skills diminished." 

It must have been tough for him to walk away in his prime, but the words of the former American footballer Jim Brown stuck in his head.

“Jim walked away at 29 because he wanted people to remember him when he last played, and I was like that as I didn’t want to be remembered as half the player I was.” 

McElroy was a visionary as he had a different outlook on life than most professionals.

“I was thinking 30 years ahead as I wanted to work with a top company and work my way to a good level so I could be financially secure with a good pension and now, I am in my 37 years with Budweiser back in the States.” 

In his own words, God gave him the blessing to make the right decision and now he is happy, on the verge of retirement with a good lifestyle.

Indeed, the rise to getting into Budweiser is very interesting.

“When I played here I would go home to Chicago and when other athletes went on vacation, I actually worked on the trucks with Budweiser for the summer months, but I was thinking it was a start for me to get into the company when I finished playing basketball.”

Reflecting on the rivalry in Cork with Neptune, Jasper had some interesting thoughts after taking in the UCC Demons and Ballincollig game at the Mardyke Arena.

“Watching that game was interesting as I took in how players were cutting to the ball, but I must say I was pleasantly surprised with the athleticism of the Irish players.” 

The introduction of the three-point line did basketball no favours he feels.

“That’s the nature of the game all over the world. If you watch NBA games all you see is five players standing outside the arc and to be honest it drives me crazy.” 

He doesn’t hesitate to admit that the Americans of the '80s were superb but fell short of criticising the present crop in the Men’s Super League.

“There were different times but look I have never been a man to compare eras as it would be unfair as the standard of Americans in the eighties was very high but credit to the present professionals that are all doing their best for the clubs they represent."

Meeting former teammates was a dream come true for Jasper as many stories of the good times were shared among the group.

Linking up with Bob Stephens, who also made the trip from the States for the reunion, was particularly special.

“My partner Cathy and I couldn’t believe the reception and hospitality we experienced in Cork over the week.

“It was great to see and meet Bob and he was probably one of the best defenders to ever play in Ireland but his manner and personality has never changed from the time I met him over 40 years ago."

On a parting note, he had one message for Blue Demons club.

“Do not ever lose your identity as you are a special group of people that touched my heart for many years and long may you all have health and happiness.”