A player and coach who was widely admired, multiple basketball associations have honoured Nick Forde after his sudden death.
Geelong United Supercats sides wore black armbands in weekend action in recognition of Forde, who was part of Geelong’s NBL1 women’s coaching team.
Forde was an assistant with the Supercats through the past four seasons and filled in as head coach on occasions.
Chief executive Mark Neeld said Geelong United was “in shock at Nick’s passing”.
“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,” Neeld said.
“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.”
In a social media post, Surfcoast Basketball Association said Forde would be “missed by many”.
”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,” the statement read.
Sunbury Jets Basketball Association also paid tribute to Forde, who played with the Jets in the Victorian Basketball Association from 1999 to 2001, including a championship in 1999.
Jets coach Kelvin Bowers labelled Forde as a “warrior”.
“My heart is not the same, Nick was a warrior that came to fight every time he took the court,” Bowers was quoted in a statement posted to social media by the Jets.
“It was an honour to play with him and coaching him was a joy. A true gentleman on and off the court, who I will love and keep in heart and mind.”