NBL championship winner Kevin Braswell dies aged 46 weeks after emergency surgery
NBL championship winner Kevin Braswell has died aged 46 just weeks after undergoing emergency surgery for a heart scare.
The American was hospitalised in Japan, where he was head coach of Utsunomiya Brex, on January 17.
The surgery was successful but he suffered complications, with the club announcing he had died in hospital on Monday.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“We would like to express our deepest gratitude for the kindness shown to us during his time and to announce this sad news,” Utsunomiya Brex said in a statement.
“We would like to express our heartfelt respect and gratitude to Mr Braswell for his dedication to the development of the club and his contribution to the growth of the team over the course of two seasons.
“We will miss him and express our deepest condolences for his passion and dedication.
“Since his hospitalisation on January 17th, the entire team has continued to support him, hoping for a speedy recovery, but his wish has not been granted and we are filled with great loss and deep sadness.”
Utsunomiya are due to play their next games this weekend.
Braswell was remembered across the NBL and the world, with the New Zealand Breakers paying tribute to their 2011 champion and former head coach.
“Today we mourn the passing of Breakers legend Kevin Braswell,” the Auckland-based club said.
“KB, a former player, championship winner, sixth man of the year and head coach passed away overnight.
“Our thoughts and aroha go out to his family at this time.”
Braswell played across Europe before finding his way to New Zealand.
He starred in his first full season with the Breakers to help the team win their first NBL title.
He also had a brief stint with the Melbourne Tigers but found more success in the NZNBL with the Southland Sharks, winning two titles as a player.
Braswell then coached the Wellington Saints to two titles.
Braswell succeeded championship teammate Paul Henare as the Breakers’ NBL coach but lasted just one year in charge.
He returned to the NZNBL and later left for Japan.
He was an assistant at Utsunomiya last season before being promoted to head coach for the 2024-25 season.
Originally published on 7NEWS Sport
