Basketball NSW acknowledges with great sadness the passing of Ken Cole OLY, a member of the Basketball NSW Hall of Fame and one of Australia’s most respected players and coaches.
Originally from Sydney, Ken’s basketball journey began on the playground courts of Woolloomooloo, where he developed the competitive spirit and skill that would shape a remarkable career in the sport. His talent emerged early, representing his school in the Sydney High Schools Championship before showcasing his abilities in the playground competitions at just 16 years of age.
Guided by influential mentors including Charlie Ammit, Bruce Flick and Ross Graham, and later coached by Bob Elphinston and Dr John Raschke, Ken developed into a composed and intelligent player with outstanding leadership qualities.
In 1961, Ken captained the NSW Under 18 Men’s team, and his performances soon earned him selection in the 1962 NSW Senior Men’s team. That same year he made history, becoming the youngest player ever selected to represent Australia when he was chosen for the 1962 FIBA World Championship at just 18 years of age.
Ken would go on to represent Australia at the 1964 Olympic Games as well as the 1962 and 1970 World Championships, establishing himself as one of the country’s leading basketballers of his generation. Across his playing career, he also achieved the unique distinction of representing four different states New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania at the Australian State Championships.
Following his playing career, Ken transitioned into coaching where he continued to leave an indelible mark on Australian basketball. After relocating to Adelaide in 1973, he played and coached with West Adelaide and South Adelaide, leading South Australia to the National Championship in 1977.
His coaching career reached national prominence in the NBL. Ken served as Assistant Coach of West Adelaide during their 1982 NBL Championship victory and later became Head Coach of the Adelaide 36ers, guiding the club to its first NBL Championship in 1986 and earning NBL Coach of the Year honours. That Adelaide team famously finished the season 24–2, becoming known as “The Invincibles.”
Ken also coached the Sydney Supersonics and Newtown Falcons, contributing to the development of the game across multiple states.
In recognition of his outstanding contribution to basketball, Ken was inducted into the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012 and remains celebrated as a member of the Basketball NSW Hall of Fame.
Ken’s impact on the sport extended far beyond the court. Known for his passion, knowledge and generosity with his time, he was widely respected across the basketball community and remained a dedicated supporter of the game throughout his life.
Basketball NSW extends its sincere condolences to Ken’s wife Pauline, his children Kimberley, Kelly and Julian, and to his many friends, teammates, players and colleagues throughout the basketball community.
Ken Cole’s legacy as a player, coach and ambassador for the sport will be remembered for generations.