• Home
• News

18 November 2025  3 min read

'A great coach and educationalist' - in memory of Vic Ambler, 1933-2025

A Fullbright Scholar at Washington State University, Oregon, where he also was an assistant basketball coach, Ambler was considered a pioneer of modern basketball coaching in England, especially across the 1970s, 80s and 90s, where he had much success with his club team St Lukes All Stars of Exeter and with the England men’s national squad.

Vic Ambler (front row, far left) with his St Luke's team, who competed in the National Basketball League in the 1970s. Photo - Mike Hoare

At St Lukes College, where Ambler was a senior lecturer in PE (before it became part of Exeter University), he lead the All Stars in their first season of the Clarks Men’s Shoes National League in 1974/75. His squad featuring the likes of England and GB stars of the day Mick Dudfield, Chris Worcester and Steve Gubby.

He also had a successful stint as head coach of England men through the 1980s – notably taking them to the FIBA EuroBasket Finals in Bratislava in the summer of 1981.

Later in his career, he was a member of the English Basketball Associations (EBBA)’s National Executive Committee and Chair of EBBA’s International Committee, which looked after England’s national teams (men’s, women’s and juniors), appointing staff, coaches and monitoring performances. He was the author of a number of basketball coaching books.

Vic (far left) had lots of success with England men, taking them to their first and only appearance at a FIBA EuroBasket Finals in 1981. Photo - Paul Stimpson

BE's Coaching Delivery Manager Brian Aldred said: "Vic was a lovely gent often popping into the Leeds office when BE was based there. He had time for everyone whatever their station in the organisation."

English Basketball Fellowship Life Vice President Mel Welch, who knew Ambler since 1968 after they both attended a coach training course at Lilleshall National Sports Centre said: “Vic was one of the most experienced people we've ever had in terms of international coaching and basketball; as a British person performing at the highest level for many years. He was very knowledgeable about everything to do with coaching, not only basketball, but sport in general."

“It is sad to see the passing of such a great coach and educationalist,” added Chair of the BE Fellowship Andy Milbourne.

“He was such an influence, through his coaching, teaching and writings, on a generation of coaches and players.”

At Exeter University’s Streatham campus is the Vic Ambler Golf Centre, opened to boost Exeter’s golfing prowess and to honour Ambler, who was central to golf programme at the university.

Messages of condolence from the community have been shared with the English Basketball Fellowship (which represents those who have given outstanding service to the sport of basketball).

"Sad news indeed, I remember playing under his coaching as England captain a few times. He was always good company." - Carl Olsson

"He gave me my first England caps, and I'll never forget the jersey. Istanbul, Bratislava, Prague summer when we went from the qualifiers all the way to the EuroBasket finals. RIP Vic." - Paul Stimpson

And an outpouring of messages of respect and admiration have been posted on the English Basketball History page on Facebook. 

Read The Messages of Condolence