The man referred to as ‘Big Bill’ by his team mates has built a reputation on being a physical four-pointer who can adapt to the state of play.
Latham credits the early development of his game to the competitive standard in Australia, debuting in the National League at just 14 years old before progressing as a Roller.
“Around that time there were guys in the National League like Brad Ness, Justin Eveson and Troy Sachs, guys that had made it in Europe. Tristan Knowles was over in Europe, I think Shaun Norris as well,” said Latham.
“My first tournament for the Rollers would have been around 2005 and it was a tournament in Tokyo. They took a development team over with a few of the older guys and a group of younger guys, that was my first exposure at the international level.”
“The game was super quick. Super aggressive. The roles I have always been known for required physicality. Coming in as a young guy and knowing that the other teams expected you to be physical and very competitive the whole time.”
“That was something that kind of stuck with me and moulded me”
Surrounded by players who had taken the next step, Latham committed to the process of playing at the highest level.
“I found out about guys going to Europe and playing professionally and from that time on, that was all I wanted to do. I wanted to go to Europe and play. Lock in and played professionally,” said Latham
“And basically from that moment on, I was pretty focused on that. I had two options, either go to college or go to Europe. I chose Europe and I don’t regret a moment of it.”
Latham made the shift to play professionally in Southern Spain for Seville in 2007. With a young family and fluency in Spanish, the man from Coffs Harbour has well and truly realised his dream of making it as a pro in Europe.
“I feel very lucky to have had this journey. Not only being able to play over there, but being able to learn a new language, meeting my wife and starting a family. I also completed my HSE over in Spain in my first season here and started a career outside of basketball,” said Latham
After following the trail blazed by the Rollers greats around him, Latham earned his Paralympics debut at London 2012. Since then he has been a cornerstone of a program undergoing a regeneration.
“It's probably the most interesting position that our team has been in for a while with the fact that you've got real top end experience with guys like Norris and Knowles and Brad Ness as coach,” said Latham.
“It’s come together really well. Brad has done a great job with the team moving in a direction he wants the group to go. And having so many young guys, we’ve got six rookies and six senior guys with a range of experience.”
“I mean, the array of experience within the team, it’s been interesting to see how Brad has been able to mould the group and get us all on the same page.”
“He's got us playing a fast and exciting brand of basketball. The playing group has bought into the concept that Brad wants us to run. There’s a really good chemistry in the team and a clear view of what want to get done and how we want to play.”
Latham is confident that the preparation period and a ‘next-man-up’ mentality will have the Rollers in good stead regardless of overall Paralympics experience.
“As a group we’re all on the same page, we’ve had a lot of time together. We’ve had the last 12-months to put in Brads’ plan and have everyone going in the same direction and we’ve been fortunate to have everyone back this year playing in the National League,” said Latham.
“The rookies are debutants to the Paralympics but they’re not rookies in the true sense of the word, we’ve been able to get solid game time under their belt before a major. They’re coming in with experience and energy and have proven they can play their role and contribute to the bigger picture within the team.”
“Everyone will have to step up at some stage, whether they’re a rookie at their first Paralympics or a senior with six tournaments under the belt. Everyone has to do their job,” added Latham.
Big Bill will also line-up alongside some ‘not-so rookies’, and he took a moment to acknowledge the magnitude of having Knowles and Norris in the trenches.
“To go into another tournament with these guys. I mean Norris and Knowles have always been in the team since I came into the group. They’re the only two left from when I started, so being able to spend that time and play during their careers is something special,” said Latham.
“Especially because it’s extended over three decades of basketball and it’s been a good experience and I feel honoured to have played with them.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing what they can do in Paris and hopefully they can help the team bring a bit of bling back home to Australia.”
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