The basketball world is in mourning after the tragic and sudden death of Scott Balsar, a respected and beloved coach who dedicated his life to the sport and the young athletes he mentored. Balsar, who was 48 years old, died in a car accident on January 10, 2024, in Bomaderry, New South Wales, Australia.
The Fateful Incident
According to the police, Balsar was driving his Toyota Corolla on the Princes Highway when he collided with a Ford Ranger that was traveling in the opposite direction. The impact caused Balsar’s car to roll over and catch fire. Balsar was trapped inside the vehicle and could not be rescued by the emergency services. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Ford Ranger, a 35-year-old man, suffered minor injuries and was taken to the Shoalhaven District Hospital for treatment. He was later released and is assisting the police with their inquiries. The police are investigating the cause of the crash and are appealing for any witnesses or dashcam footage to come forward.
Scott Balsar – A Life Dedicated to Basketball
Scott Balsar was a leading figure in the Australian basketball scene, renowned for his coaching skills and his passion for the sport. He started his coaching career in 2000, when he joined the Shoalhaven Tigers as an assistant coach. He quickly rose through the ranks and became the head coach of the senior men’s team in 2004. He led the Tigers to multiple championships and finals appearances in the Waratah League, the second-tier competition in New South Wales.
Balsar was also instrumental in developing the junior program of the Tigers, nurturing and inspiring many young players who went on to play at higher levels, including the National Basketball League (NBL), the top-tier league in Australia. Some of his notable protégés include Tim Coenraad, who played for the Illawarra Hawks for 11 seasons and won the NBL title in 2017, and Mitch Norton, who currently plays for the Perth Wildcats and is a member of the Australian national team.
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Balsar was not only a coach, but also a mentor, a friend, and a role model to his players. He taught them not only the fundamentals of basketball, but also the values of hard work, discipline, teamwork, and resilience. He was always supportive, encouraging, and positive, and he had a knack for bringing out the best in his players.
Balsar was also actively involved in the wider basketball community, serving as a board member of the Basketball New South Wales, the governing body of the sport in the state. He was also a frequent contributor to various basketball publications and podcasts, sharing his insights and opinions on the game.
A Loss Felt by Many
The news of Balsar’s death has sent shockwaves through the basketball community and beyond. Tributes have poured in from his former and current players, colleagues, friends, and fans, expressing their grief and admiration for the man who touched so many lives.
Tim Coenraad, who played under Balsar for six years, said that Balsar was more than a coach to him. “He was like a second father to me. He took me under his wing when I was a young kid and helped me grow as a player and as a person. He was always there for me, on and off the court. He was one of the most genuine and caring people I have ever met. He was a legend of the game and a legend of a man. I will miss him dearly.”
Mitch Norton, who also played under Balsar for six years, said that Balsar was a huge influence on his career. “He was the one who gave me my first opportunity to play at a high level. He believed in me and pushed me to be better. He was a great coach and a great person. He had a positive impact on so many people. He was a mentor, a leader, and a friend. He was a rare breed and a true champion. I will always be grateful for what he did for me.”
Basketball New South Wales issued a statement, saying that Balsar was a valued and respected member of the basketball family. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Scott Balsar, who was a tremendous asset to our sport. He was a visionary and a pioneer, who dedicated his life to coaching and developing basketball in New South Wales. He was a passionate and knowledgeable coach, who inspired and influenced countless players and coaches. He was also a loyal and generous board member, who contributed immensely to the growth and governance of our sport. He was a remarkable and admirable person, who will be sorely missed by all of us.”
Balsar is survived by his wife, Lisa, and his two children, Jake and Ella. His family has requested privacy and respect during this difficult time. A funeral service will be held for Balsar on January 17, 2024, at the Shoalhaven Basketball Stadium, where he spent most of his coaching career. The service will be open to the public, and anyone who wishes to pay their respects and celebrate Balsar’s life is welcome to attend.
A Legacy That Lives On
Scott Balsar was a man who lived and breathed basketball. He devoted his life to the sport and the young athletes he coached. He was a respected and beloved figure in the basketball world, who made a lasting impression on everyone he met. His passion, dedication, and excellence will be remembered and cherished by many. His legacy will live on through the players he coached, the coaches he mentored, and the sport he loved.
As we mourn his untimely and tragic death, we also celebrate the life of a man who gave so much to basketball and to the people around him. Scott Balsar was a basketball legend, and he will never be forgotten.
