'An icon in life': Mitch Creek remembers mentor Ken Cole

• Kenneth Cole died on March 15, aged 82, after a long battle with cancer
• He coach the Adelaide 36ers team in 1986 known as 'The Invincibles' to the NBL title with a record of 24-2
• Cole was inducted into the Basketball Australia Hall of Fame in 2012

The Australian basketball community is in mourning after the death of legendary NBL and former Adelaide 36ers coach Ken Cole.

Cole's family announced on social media he had passed on the morning of March 15 aged 82 after a long battle with cancer.

"He fought to the end and is now at peace," the post said.

Cole, who coached the West Adelaide Bearcats in 1983-84 before leading the Adelaide 36ers, where he'd coach arguably one of the greatest teams in league history known as 'The Invincibles' to a championship in 1986 following a24-2 regular season record, earning Coach of the Year honours along the way.

He went on to later coach the Sydney Supersonics and Newcastle Falcons before returning to the club he loved, in the 36ers, as an advisor and then president of basketball in 2018.

It was in his return to the 36ers, where he mentored players such as Mitch Creek, who credited Cole alongside coach Joey Wright for helping him turn into the player he became.

"Ken wasn’t just an icon in basketball but also in life," Creek told basketball.com.au.

"If basketball's the only place you knew him then you really missed out.

"I’ll miss you everyday mate, and I’ll cherish the moments and time this world graced us together with."

The 36ers, who are in the middle of an epic NBL26 semi-finals series with the South East Melbourne Phoenix, posted a tribute to Cole on social media.

“Ken was a truly extraordinary person,” 36ers executive chairman, Grant 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.”  

Social media has been flooded with tributes from Australian basketball figures, including from former 36er Alex Starling, who came to Australia from the US as an Aussie rules football recruit before chasing his basketball dreams.

"Son don’t you ever accept rejection of being told you’re not good enough. Continue to work hard and when the opportunity comes prove them wrong - Kenneth Cole," Starling posted.

"Thank you for being you. Thank you for being a mentor and friend. Thank you for believing in me. Your words of wisdom and encouragement played a huge part in my journey here in Australia. I’m honoured to have shared big moments in my life with you. Your impact was legendary and contributions to the world will continue to live on. Rest well my friend."

Cole was not only an iconic coach in Australia but a successful player as well, having represented Australia at the 1964 Olympic Games as well as the 1962 and 1970 World Championships.

He was inducted in the Basketball Australia Hall of Fame in 2012.

Tributes on social media for the great Ken Cole

"Rest in peace Ken, what a legend!! Thinking of your family! - Former 36er, NBL champion and Olympian Adam Gibson

"Desperately sad news. The sport has lost a legend. And a wonderful person to boot who meant a lot to me, especially when he’d call and chat basketball and life for hours when I was down or sick. Rest in peace King Cole." - NBL historian Matt McQuade

"Much love and respect for what Ken did for the basketball community. We have lost a great man but heaven has gained a great soul. Condolences to the Cole family. May your legacy live on." - Former Illawarra Hawks owner Dorry Kordahi

"Kenny if theirs a hoops heaven your there giving guidance to the basketball Gods RIP glad you are out of pain. Thinking of Pauline and the family." - Adelaide 36ers and NBL legend Phil Smyth

"Rest in peace Kenneth Cole. The basketball community will miss you." - NBL legend Bruce Bolden

"RIP Kenneth Cole love and prayers to all the family. Great coach, even better Human." - Former NBL player and commentator Brad Rosen