12
Nov
2026
Code Sports
NBL legend Darryl McDonald reveals cancer battle
Assistant coach Darryl McDonald of the Bullets looks on in warms up ahead the round six NBL match between Tasmania Jackjumpers and Brisbane Bullets at The Silverdome, on November 04, 2023, in Launceston, Australia. Photo: Simon Sturzaker/Getty Images
Highlights
Three-time NBL champion Darryl McDonald has revealed he is battling throat cancer
- Darryl McDonald spent part of NBL26 as interim coach of the Brisbane Bullets
- He had previously been an interim coach in Melbourne with United
- McDonald coached the Northside Wizards in the NBL1 North for the past three seasons
NBL legend Darryl “D-Mac” McDonald influenced a generation of hoops fans with his iconic flashy playing style – now he is looking to inspire in a different way after revealing he is battling throat cancer, writes Michael Randall and Matt Logue from Code Sports.
McDonald – a three-time champion who played 486 NBL games across 15 seasons – is currently fighting his toughest battle off the court.
Back in mid-August, he found a lump in his neck and initially didn’t think too much of it. Two weeks later – the lump was still there – prompting McDonald to do a quick google search that suggested he see a doctor.
A CAT scan confirmed he had throat cancer – which has required radiation seven days a week for the past seven weeks.
McDonald is expected to make a full recovery, but he concedes he should have acted sooner.
“I waited too long – to be honest – I should have gone straight to the doctor,” the 62-year-old said.
“I felt the lump but I was also having chest problems at the time – shortness of breath and tightness – so I was going to the hospital for that.
“That would be (my message to people) – don’t wait until it is too late.”
The past two months have been a struggle for McDonald. The radiation treatment has left him feeling “nauseous” and “tired,” but he is edging closer to the end.
“I’m nearly done – just six days of treatment left,” said McDonald – who has relocated back to Melbourne after coaching the Brisbane-based Northside Wizards in the men’s NBL1 competition this season.
“I initially didn’t want anyone to know. I wanted to fly under the radar and just get through it but eventually it was going to get out,” he said.
“A few people have reached out to message me – which is nice and puts life into perspective.”
For the full story and Crosscourt Column on Code Sports Basketball, click here.
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