Vale Ken Cole

The Adelaide 36ers are mourning the passing of club great Ken Cole.

A member of both the Adelaide 36ers and Australian Basketball Halls of Fame, Ken passed away peacefully on Sunday at the age of 82, after battling cancer for more than a decade.

Despite his illness, Ken continued to support the Sixers on their way to the playoffs this season, attending numerous matches in his role as the club’s number one ticket holder.

Adelaide 36ers Executive Chairman Grant Kelley said Ken would be dearly missed by many and would leave a lasting legacy in the game in this country.

“Ken was a truly extraordinary person,” Mr Kelley said.

“His energy and positivity never wavered, nor did his passion for basketball and for the Adelaide 36ers, despite his ongoing health issues.

“Of course, Ken was an incredible basketballer in his own right before moving into coaching, subsequently leading one of the most successful chapters in the history of the Adelaide 36ers.

“After some time overseas, he returned to be the President of Adelaide Basketball in 2018 to continue our club’s growth and has since 2021 been courtside at almost every home game as our number one ticket holder.

“In occasionally difficult times, he was a bridge between the past and present. A kindly word from Ken was invariably magical. His knowledge of the game and ability to convey a message were unique.

“On a personal note, I will miss his wisdom and friendship enormously, and I know his loss will be felt by deeply by the Australian basketball community.

“On behalf of the Adelaide 36ers, my family and I send our deepest condolences to Ken’s wife Pauline, his children Kimberley, Kelly, and Julian, and his many friends around the world.”  

Originally from Sydney, Ken represented Australia at the 1964 Olympic games and 1962 and 1970 World Championships. He also has the unique claim to being the only man to represent four different states at the former Australian States Championships, having played for South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania.

After moving into coaching, Ken won the hearts and minds of South Australian basketball fans, when he led the Adelaide 36ers to the 1985 Grand Final before helping the club win its first NBL championship in 1986.

The 1986 group set a record unmatched, going 24-2 to earn the nickname, ‘The Invincibles’. Had it not been for two buzzer-beater losses, the team would have gone unbeaten. 

He was also named the 1986 NBL Coach of the Year. 

In 2012 Ken Cole was elevated into the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame, and in 2021 was honoured with recognition as part of the Adelaide 36ers Hall of Fame.

The Adelaide 36ers will honour Ken Cole’s legacy at the Semi Final clash against South East Melbourne on Tuesday.