Basketball NSW is deeply saddened by the passing of Hall of Fame inductee and one of our most respected officials, Brad Giersch.
Brad’s journey in basketball began at just 14 years old in Kilsyth, Victoria, when he picked up a whistle to earn some pocket money. What followed was a remarkable refereeing career that would span decades and take him to the highest levels of the game, both nationally and internationally.
At the local level, Brad officiated at three Australian Junior Championships and the 2002 SEABL Grand Final, laying the foundation for what would become an extraordinary career. He joined the National Basketball League ranks in 1994 and went on to officiate an incredible 440 NBL games, including six NBL Grand Final series. He also brought his calm authority and precision to 27 WNBL games.
Internationally, Brad proudly represented both New South Wales and Australia with distinction. His resume includes the Albert Schweitzer Tournament in Germany, two World University Games (2005 and 2011), the 2006 Commonwealth Games, the 2007 FIBA U19 Men’s World Championships, the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Qualifiers, the 2011 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) Finals, the 2015 FIBA Women’s Oceania Championships, and the 2017 FIBA Asia U16 Men’s Championship.
Brad wasn’t just a technically outstanding referee, he was a mentor, a role model, and a champion of the next generation. In 2016, just days after officiating an NBL Finals Series, Brad volunteered to referee an Under-12s game, a perfect example of his deep love for the game and commitment to grassroots basketball. He was never too big for the small moments and was always willing to give back.
Brad was inducted into the Basketball NSW Hall of Fame in 2021.
Away from the court, Brad was a dedicated Station Officer with Fire and Rescue NSW. He led with distinction during some of the state’s most challenging incidents, including the Rozelle building collapse, and was widely admired for his professionalism, courage, and resilience. He also served in the Fire Investigation & Research Unit’s K-9 team, applying the same integrity and attention to detail that defined his work in basketball.
Brad’s energy was infectious, his leadership inspiring, and his smile unforgettable. Even in the face of his own health battles, he remained positive and strong, lifting others with his spirit and determination.
Our thoughts are with his wife, Louise, his family, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Brad’s legacy will live on in every official he mentored, every game he helped shape, and every community he served.
He will be deeply missed.