Respected local basketball figure remembered

THE local basketball community is mourning the tragic loss of one of its well-known figures.

Geelong United Basketball (GUB) and the Surfcoast Basketball Association (SBA) have expressed their condolences following the death of NBL1 Geelong United women’s assistant coach Nick Forde.

Forde, who was well into his fourth season as a Supercats assistant coach, passed away on Thursday last week. He was 52.

“We are in shock at Nick’s passing,” Geelong United chief executive officer Mark Neeld said.

“In his time with our NBL1 women’s program, Nick was a highly respected member of the coaching staff and a great contributor to the team’s culture.

“Our immediate thoughts are with his family – wife Fran, and his children Ben, Zach and Will – at this challenging time, and we will provide them with any support they require.

“We will also provide any support to our NBL1 players and staff they need.”

As a mark of respect, both Geelong United NBL1 teams wore black armbands against Knox on June 3.

Forde’s women’s team, led by head coach Matthew Paton and assistant coach Jo Bowie, defeated the Raiders 82-47 that night.

In a statement to the Surf Coast community, the SBA reflected on Forde’s impact in the sport of basketball throughout the region.

“It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the passing of Nick Forde,” the statement read.

“Nick’s contribution to basketball on the Surf Coast is invaluable and immeasurable and he brought a wealth of experience, knowledge, and mentorship to all he coached and worked with.

“He will be missed by so many including the Geelong United Basketball Association and the Surfcoasters Basketball Club, and our thoughts are with their members at this time.

“The Forde family are a force in our close-knit basketball community, and this loss deeply affects the SBA.

“We extend our love and support to Fran, Ben, Zach & Will, and Adam, Jo, Callum, Loki and Sam and the extended Forde family. We are thinking of you all.”

Forde will be farewelled and celebrated by the basketball community in a memorial at Geelong Arena on Thursday, June 15 from 4-6.30pm.