Basketball is in mourning following the untimely passing of Kevin Braswell, a former NBL player and coach, who died at the age of 46. His death was confirmed on Tuesday, just weeks after he suffered a heart attack while in Japan, where he had been coaching.
The NBL (National Basketball League), Australia’s professional basketball league that also encompasses a team from New Zealand, described Braswell as one of the most cherished and respected personalities within the New Zealand basketball community.
Tributes have flowed in from across the Tasman, as well as from fans and colleagues in America and Japan, where Braswell had been making an impact as a coach.
Braswell enjoyed a successful playing career, highlighted by winning the 2011 NBL championship with the New Zealand Breakers. That season, he contributed significantly to the team’s success, averaging 10.2 points, 4.2 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game, earning him the title of NBL’s Best Sixth Man after playing a crucial role in their finals victory over Cairns. Throughout his career, he also showcased his skills with the Melbourne Tigers and Southland Sharks, following a collegiate career at Georgetown.
Transitioning from player to coach, Braswell took the reins of the Breakers in 2018, demonstrating his commitment to the sport. In the current season, he was coaching the Utsunomiya Brex in Japan, continuing to leave his mark on the international basketball scene.
The NBL extended its heartfelt condolences to the Braswell family, recognising the profound loss felt across the basketball community during this challenging time.