If you wanted someone to play for your team that would guarantee you solid play, reliable ball handling and smarts (minus the ego and whining of many a present day basketballer) then look no further than the Buffoon from Baldivis – Benny ‘BC’ Caporn. It is no surprise to me to see my friend and former teammate transform from the skinny, ‘mute’ quiet lad who won every preseason run without sweating, to the club leader who played and won his 300^th game vs the Redbacks this weekend.

I tracked down the great man recently and here is the result below;

W: Tell us a joke Benny, word has it in the Magic camp that you are the barometer for humour even more than T-Rabbit (Aaron Trahair) in your team, so give us one of your favourites;

BC: ………………[note: insert crickets here]………………….

W: Off to a flying start there BC, and as I predicted a poor attempt to break the ice!

First of all let’s talk about your humble beginnings pre-Magic. You were in the Flames SBL squad as a Development player under Johnny 'Bulldog' Triscari. Describe what it was like as a skinny 16 year old boy from the backstreets of Baldivis, training with the SBL team?

BC: It was a very eye opening experience getting my introduction (to basketball) from that group of boys from Rockingham. It was a great opportunity to learn from some very experienced basketballers such as Ben Thompson, Rodger Smith, yourself, Peter Moore, Anthony Exeter, Travis Moore, Mat Park and I'm sure I have forgot people, but as a 16 year old I believe all of these people helped shape the basketballer I am today.

W: The team was quite deep during the 2002/2003 era at the Flames. You decided to leave and play for the crosstown rivals the Mandurah Magic for season 2004. What were the reasons for this move?

BC: Like you said the team was deep, especially in the guard department and I had been a development player for 3 or 4 years at this stage and just wanted to play and the opportunity was there at Mandurah at that time.

W: You were part of the core group that was going to 'revive' the Magic from many previous poor seasons. What was it like firstly, playing at a new club and secondly, how tough was it at times when the effort rarely resulted in wins?

BC: Early on at Mandurah we were a really young group of guys who just loved playing basketball. Even though we didn’t win as often as we would have liked, all the boys loved playing, training and working hard and this was enjoyable to be around. 

W: For those that don't know you, you are the darker.....sorry younger brother of former NBL player/current St Mary's Gaels assistant coach Adam "Morabito's Knees" Caporn. Did you feel that people always compared you to him when you were coming through the ranks or was this never a factor?

BC: Never a factor. I'm sure some people probably compared us but it wasn't something I ever noticed

W: Great answer and I hope that clears up a few misconceptions! What was it like on the backyard bitumen court playing 1 on 1 against your brother? (Note: these boys and sister Jenelle had the best backyard hoop known to basketballers). I visualise Adam putting on a clinic at your expense at times, with you getting a few back, all under the watchful eyes of your Father - Kim "The Sergeant" Caporn.

BC: There were a lot of good times on that court and some of what I'm sure we both thought (Adam and myself) at the time were the most important games of our lives with how much it meant to us. On the odd occasion I did win I would run around screaming I won then Dad (Kimbo) would join in making sure Adam knew all about it! I did win the occasional game, and then I didn't play again for days after each win and that drove him (Adam) mad! However I did cop a few beatings between my wins! There were also some 2 on 2 battles dad and myself onto Adam and Jenelle.

W: I can remember a couple of seasons ago when your Coaching staff decided on having 'no off season' to get you guys playoff ready. Was this of benefit to the team and how did your rickety old body (amongst other veterans) handle the pain?

BC: As I spoke about earlier in my young magic days all anyone wanted to do was play so we never had an off season as none of us wanted to stop. We continued training / playing so it was not that much of a shock. But we did begin to win more games. 

W: You have now spent a decade at the Magic as a player, and over time the club has developed or had key contributors come along to create the core you have. Now that are about to embark and consecutive playoff trips, what does this mean to you?

BC: It has just been so pleasing to see the program develop from were it was and now to play and hopefully win finals is what it is all about for me.

W: What is the most memorable moment of your time down at the Magic? (Save the 'stay in the good books’ - "meeting Casey Mihovilovich" line because that is to follow).

BC: The start of the 2012 season was very memorable, as I think we shocked a lot of people including ourselves at our progress and as a group we got used to winning. 

W: Cliché’s aside, what does 300 games mean to you mate?

BC: PAIN (the body hurts).  it is something I am very proud of but at this stage it doesn't mean a great deal other then that as games played is not why I play however I'm sure in a few years time it will mean a lot more to me having played that many games. 

W: Is it true that the Mandurah Magic name an award after you called "the Mandurah Magic Charisma Trophy" to the clubman/woman who has the greatest personality?

BC: No.

W: Nice elaboration! Once again mate you’re a lighthouse for comic relief, that is, you set the path for others to follow in this regard. Top shelf BC, top shelf!

 

W: Now being at the Magic has seen you meet your lovely significant other in Casey Mihovilovich. Picture this - You are both on the same team, there is a timeout with 3 seconds on the clock. The coach looks at you both and says "one of you is taking the shot to win." Benny, who takes it mate and why?

BC: Me because I win the one on one's.

W: Your boys Brock and Will have two SBL veteran parents, Uncle Adam who has represented Australia and an Aunty Callie who played SBL and Grandad's who were either SBL coaches (Milo) or assistant coaches (Kim) at SBL level. Surely the boys have a hoops pedigree ready for the NBA? Do they love watching you both play or are they spent by the time it's Dad's (your) time to play?

BC: They both love it. Will only sees mum play as he falls asleep by my game but Brock loves it. Casey asked Brock the other day if he wants to be a doctor when he grows up. His comment was no I just want to play Basketball. 

W: Did Don "Milo" Miholvilovich scare you as much as he did us, when he was our SBL coach in the mid to late 90’s, when you first met the great man and shook his hand? Remember honesty is the best policy, don't try and be a Terry Tough Guy!

[note: Milo Snr was a very well respected SBL mens head coach for both the Kanyana Kings (now Mandurah Magic) and at the Rockingham Flames from 1990 – 1997].

BC: The lead up scared me due to all of the stories I had been told from X (Anthony Exeter) and yourself. But the Milo (Don) I know just loves to sit at home and drink XXXX, watch footy and laugh. A very different person to the one you guys painted for me. 

W: In all seriousness BC I think you have struck gold with the ‘In-laws’ with Milo and the lovely Judy so stay in the good books!

W: Craziest Teammate? Why?

BC: Very hard to say. I could name any of the 02/03’ Rocko (Flames) boys. I can't say why. 

W: Three words max with these headings BC lets see what you can conjure up!

Three words Max
with Benny ‘BC’ Caporn

Flames years
BC: 250 games ago

Ben Caporn
BC: Feels old

End of Season Trips
BC: Darren Russell time to shine (don't care about 3 word max)

Josh Lee
BC: Young old guy

Adam Caporn
BC: I won our last game

W: You really struggle with the 3 word concept BC!

400 Games
BC: Long way away

Coaching?
BC: Family

Boating
BC: More of it

Jason Chalk
BC: Ups and downs 

So there you have it SBL fans, the man that is BC! I know I can speak on behalf of every player, coach and supporter who ever hit the court with BC, whether it was against siblings in the backyard, with the old boys at Rockingham or most importantly with your club the Magic in saying congratulations on the epic 300 game milestone.  You’re a great example to young players today who need to see that perseverance can equate to 300 games of quality basketball. With your unparalleled fitness (early years), hard work, determination and doing all the little things right, you have become a complete player who deserves a deep playoff run this season and who knows maybe even a title. As for the charisma……….we’ll keep working on it!!!

Article by Darren 'Whopper' Russell
Photo by Kerry Leeder