- Beloved Australian basketballer dies surrounded by wife and children
- Remembered for enduring impact he had as a player, coach and mentor
- READ MORE: Singer dies of cancer
The Australian basketball community has been devastated by the loss of one of the NBL’s most ‘dominant’ stars.
Jason Joynes died surrounded by his loving family following a battle with neuroendocrine tumours on Wednesday at the age of just 54.
His condition was only made public a fortnight ago and $20,000 has since been raised to help support his wife Michelle and their children Eliza, Isaac and Scarlett.
The tumours are a rare form of cancer impacting the network of glands and nerve cells that make and release hormones into the bloodstream.
Joynes made a name for himself playing in the NBL after debuting with the now-defunct Westside Melbourne Saints in 1989when he was just 19.
From there he switched to the Newcastle Falcons in 1991 before moving on to the Geelong Supercats in 1994 and 1995.
He later saw out his impressive playing career with 10 seasons at the Mount Gambier Pioneers before turning his attention to coaching and eventually becoming the vice president of Adelaide‘s Woodville Warriors team from 2021.
An outpouring of tributes flowed in for Joynes from all the teams he had once played such a critical role in.
The NBL extended its deepest sympathies to Joynes’ family in the wake of his death.
‘The NBL family extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of former player Jason Joynes, who passed away this week after battling cancer,’ it said in a statement.
The Australian Basketball Players’ Association lamented his time in the sport and added that his contributions ‘won’t be forgotten’.
‘The ABPA is saddened to hear of the passing of former NBL Player Jason Joynes,’ a spokesman said.
‘Jason played a total of 104 games over 7 seasons in the NBL and was a loving husband and father to his wife and 3 kids. Jason’s impact on basketball in Adelaide and the wider basketball community was significant and won’t be forgotten.
‘We extend our condolences to the Joynes family and everyone impacted by Jason’s passing.’
The Pioneers said: ‘It is undeniable that Joynes has been one of the most dominant players to play at the level of competition.
‘Joynes made an unbelievable impact on the community and local basketball and has remained connected to the club since the conclusion of his playing career.’
Joynes was inducted as a lifetime member of Beth Serle for his contribution to the sport and the club credited his 10-year stint to the club winning its first ever Conference and National Championship in 2003.
He held the club’s record for games played with a staggering 267 games until 2022.
Joynes also holds the clubs’ record for rebounds at 2,829 made during his time there.
The Woodville Warriors club president Steven Walker also paid tribute and extended his sympathies to Joynes’ family who were by his side in his last moments.
‘Jason’s impact … will never be forgotten, a beautiful husband, father, and friend. We will forever love you and those big hugs you would give, miss you big fella xx,’ Mr Walker said.
