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The Australian basketball community has been devastated by the loss of one of the NBL’s most dominant stars.
Jason Joynes died surrounded by his loving family after a battle with On Wednesday, at age 54, he was diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumors.
His condition was made public just a fortnight ago and since then $20,000 has been raised to help support his wife Michelle and children Eliza, Isaac and Scarlett.
Tumors are a rare form of cancer that affects the network of glands and nerve cells that produce and release hormones into the bloodstream.
Joynes made a name for himself playing in the NBL after making his debut with the now defunct Westside Melbourne Saints in 1989, when he was just 19 years old.
From there he went to the Newcastle Falcons in 1991 before moving to the Geelong Supercats in 1994 and 1995.
He later rounded out his impressive playing career with 10 seasons at the Mount Gambier Pioneers before turning his attention to coaching and eventually becoming vice-chairman of Adelaide side Woodville Warriors from 2021 onwards.
An avalanche of tributes paid tribute to Joynes from all the teams in which he once played such an important role.
Jason Joynes passed away after a battle with a cruel and rare cancer
Former ‘dominant’ NBL star dies after long battle with neuroendocrine tumors
The NBL expressed its deepest condolences to Joynes’ family following his passing.
“The NBL family extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of former player Jason Joynes, who passed away this week after a battle with cancer,” it said in a statement.
The Australian Basketball Players Association mourned his passing from the sport and added that his contributions “will not be forgotten”.
“The ABPA is saddened to learn of the passing of former NBL player Jason Joynes,” a spokesperson said.
‘Jason played a total of 104 games over 7 seasons in the NBL and was a loving husband and father to his wife and 3 children. Jason’s impact on Adelaide basketball and the wider basketball community was significant and will not be forgotten.
‘We extend our condolences to the Joynes family and everyone affected by Jason’s passing.’
Joynes has proven to be one of the most feared players in the NBL throughout his career.
An outpouring of tributes has come from the teams that Mr Joynes (right) impacted after his death was announced.
The pioneers said: ‘It is undeniable that Joynes has been one of the most dominant players at the competitive level.
‘Joynes had an incredible impact on the community and local basketball and has remained associated with the club since the conclusion of his playing career.’
Joynes was inducted as a Beth Serle Life Member for his contribution to the sport and the club credited his 10-year tenure with the club winning its first Conference and National Championship in 2003.
He held the club record for games played with an astonishing number of goals. 267 games until 2022.
Joynes also holds the club record for rebounds with 2,829 during his time there.
IWoodville Warriors club chairman Steven Walker also paid tribute and expressed his condolences to Joynes’ family who were by his side during his final moments.
“Jason’s impact… will never be forgotten, a beautiful husband, father and friend. We will always love you and give you those big hugs, we will miss you so much,” Walker said.