Vale Ken Cole: NBL community mourns ken cole
ken cole, a Hall of Famer, Olympian and long-time figure in Australian basketball, has died at age 82 after a battle with cancer lasting more than a decade; his family announced his passing on the morning of March 15 (ET). He passed away peacefully, remaining active in supporting the Adelaide 36ers and attending matches as the club’s number one ticket holder through the NBL26 Playoffs. The loss has prompted immediate tributes from club leaders, former players and basketball organisations across the country.
Ken Cole’s career and achievements
Cole was a member of both the Adelaide 36ers and Australian Basketball Halls of Fame and represented Australia at the 1964 Olympic Games and at the 1962 and 1970 World Championships. He holds the unique distinction of representing four different states at the former Australian States Championships: South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania. After his playing days he moved into coaching, leading the Adelaide 36ers to the 1985 Grand Final and guiding the club to its first NBL championship in 1986.
Immediate reactions from the game
Grant Kelley, Executive Chairman of the Adelaide 36ers, said, “Ken was a truly extraordinary person. His energy and positivity never wavered, nor did his passion for basketball and for the Adelaide 36ers, despite his ongoing health issues. ” Kelley added that Cole’s knowledge and ability to convey a message were “unique” and that he would be deeply missed by the Australian basketball community.
Mitch Creek, who credited Cole as a mentor during his time at the 36ers, said, “Ken wasn’t just an icon in basketball but also in life. If basketball’s the only place you knew him then you really missed out. I’ll miss you everyday mate, and I’ll cherish the moments and time this world graced us together with. ” Basketball NSW also acknowledged with great sadness the passing of Ken Cole OLY and noted his standing in the state’s basketball history and Hall of Fame.
Personal legacy and club role
Cole returned to Adelaide Basketball leadership as President in 2018 and, from 2021, was a near-constant courtside presence at home games. Throughout his long illness he continued to support the Sixers on their run to the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 Playoffs, showing a commitment to the club that club leaders highlighted as emblematic of his character. On behalf of the 36ers, Kelley extended condolences to Cole’s wife, Pauline, and his children Kimberley, Kelly and Julian.
What’s next for the community
The immediate weeks will see the Adelaide 36ers and national basketball organisations mark Cole’s contribution to the game with tributes and reflections on his role as a bridge between past and present. The club has already signalled that his legacy will be acknowledged at upcoming fixtures and through its leadership work in Adelaide Basketball. As the basketball community processes this loss, attention will turn to how the club and former players honour the memory of ken cole in coming fixtures and commemorations.
