Basketball NSW is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Scott Balsar on Wednesday night in a car accident in Bomaderry.
Few people touch people’s lives the way Scotty did. A proud country and family man who would do anything to lend a hand and support people to become their best version of themselves on or off the court or helping a hand just because that is what Scotty did and has done all his life.
Scott was a proud and passionate Shoalhaven Tiger who represented the club with pride on the court throughout his junior years and later, as a coach. He coached many NSW state teams and provided many coach education opportunities for aspiring coaches across the state. Scott spent 14 years working with Basketball NSW in High Performance, Coach Education, and as a Development Officer. I think what will always be remembered is his unwavering passion for Country Basketball. He was determined to provide kids opportunities to shine no matter where they lived in this state.
Scott also coached some of our junior state teams and coached in the WNBL as an assistant coach at the Canberra Capitals.
I will always remember our road trips in my first years with BNSW. Everyone loved Scotty, no matter where we went. We spent 13 weeks on the road and ate copious amounts of red frogs, listened to Geoff’s favourite comedy acts, and formed the ‘Travelling Gnomberry’ family. We had loads of fun and got a lot of work done at the same time. That was Scotty’s way.
Sometimes words can’t describe how we feel except this was way too soon.
The tragic circumstances make it hard to process what has happened.
We spoke to so many people yesterday who were coached by Scott, worked with Scott, or knew him as a friend. All were devastated by his tragic passing.
We would also like to wish Elijah well for a full recovery from the injuries he sustained in the accident on Wednesday night.
Our love and thoughts are with Carla, Chloe, Elijah, Gemma, Erwin, and Dianne, as well as the whole extended family and friends.
Rest in Peace Scott and fly high
Maria, Geoff, Brett, Caroline, Curtis, Jarrod, Macs, Antonio, Ruth, Lucinda, Darren, Cristi, Lauren, Chanelle, Leaf, Emma, Rhyann, Tee, Luisa, David, Steve, Adam Marjoram, Adam McIntyre, Rachel, Amy, Jaylee, Celine, Isabel, Brad, Andrew, Richard, Troy and The Board of Basketball NSW.
