Ralph Deppisch scores 80% of his shots on 80th birthday weekend

Ralph Deppisch made 80% of his field goals during a Friday pickup game, a performance that occurred three days after his 80th birthday. Deppisch, a 6-foot-3 resident of Newport Beach, won all three half-court games he played that morning at the Newport Beach Athletic Club. His opponents were significantly younger, mostly men in their late 50s and early 60s. Despite the age gap, Deppisch maintained a high level of play, utilizing a consistent jump shot and a left-handed hook shot to score.

Deppisch has been playing this specific form of three-on-three basketball for nearly 25 years. The group started in the early 2000s when Deppisch and Mike Saunders, a UC Irvine men's tennis coach, began playing Horse. Steve and Darren Morris joined the circle to provide two-on-two competition before the format expanded. The group used a $20 Peet’s Coffee card as a prize, a tradition that has continued as a informal trophy for the winners.

Steve Morris, who stands 6-foot-7, serves as the commissioner for the group. He organizes the games and manages communication among the players. He noted that Deppisch’s fundamentals remain sharp. Kelley Crosby, another member of the crew, described Deppisch as “The Godfather.” Crosby said that when a game becomes unbalanced due to injury or illness, the players call for Deppisch. He often descends from a treadmill to play a few minutes, scoring with bank shots and hook shots that remind the group of his skill.

Robert Morris, a former Corona del Mar High basketball player, called Deppisch a total inspiration. He observed that Deppisch’s left-hand hook is difficult for taller players to block. “You can’t believe he’s 80, the things he does,” Morris said. Deppisch, who grew up in New England and attended Manhattan College, identifies as a Boston Celtics fan. His favorite player is Larry Bird. Mike Saunders compared Deppisch to Bird, noting that Deppisch possesses more finesse.

On Tuesday, three days after his birthday, the group gathered at 7 a.m. for a game. A birthday cake was brought to the gym, though a box of doughnuts proved more popular among the players. Deppisch won all three of his games that morning. He attributed his continued participation to the community at the Newport Beach Athletic Club, which has been family-run for 55 years by John Bazacas and now his son, Tom.

Deppisch, who started playing basketball in the second grade, described his current performance level as acceptable. He gave himself a soft B, noting that he does enough to earn another invitation. “My game now is acceptable,” he said. “I can hold my own. I give myself a soft ‘B.’ Like, I played the other day and I did OK. I did enough that they invited me back.”

Tom Bazacas, who currently runs the club, said the environment allows the friends to work out and socialize. Crosby emphasized the respect Deppisch commands. “Everybody respects him,” Crosby said. “He’s just got a heart of gold, and he’s brought a lot of people together. He’s a very good man.”