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The Australian basketball community has been left shocked by the loss of one of the NBL’s most ‘dominant’ stars.
Jason Joynes died surrounded by his loving family after a battle with neuroendocrine tumors on Wednesday at age 54.
His condition was only made public two weeks ago and since then $20,000 has been raised to support his wife Michelle and their children Eliza, Isaac and Scarlett.
The tumors are a rare form of cancer that network of glands and nerve cells that produce and release hormones into the bloodstream.
Joynes made a name for himself He played in the NBL after making his debut with the now defunct Westside Melbourne Saints in 1989, when he was just 19.
From there he moved on to the Newcastle Falcons in 1991 and then to the Geelong Supercats in 1994 and 1995.
He later rounded out his impressive playing career with 10 seasons with the Mount Gambier Pioneers, before turning his attention to coaching, eventually becoming vice-chairman of Adelaide’s Woodville Warriors team from 2021.
Numerous compliments came in from all the teams where Joynes had ever played such an important role.
Jason Joynes has died after a battle with a brutal, 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,” the organization said in a statement.
The Australian Basketball Players’ Association mourned his time in the sport, adding 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 in 7 seasons in the NBL and was a loving husband and father to his wife and 3 children. Jason’s impact on basketball in Adelaide 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 proved to be one of the most formidable players in the NBL throughout his career
A flood of tributes have poured in from the teams Mr Joynes (right) influenced after his death was announced
The Pioneers said: ‘There is no denying that Joynes is one of the most dominant players to have played at this level of competition.
“Joynes has had an incredible impact on the community and the local basketball team. He has remained involved with the club since his active career ended.”
Joynes was inducted into Beth Serle as a life member for his contributions to the sport, with the club crediting his 10-year tenure with the club winning its first ever Conference and National Championship in 2003.
He held the club record for games played by an astonishing 267 matches until 2022.
Joynes is also the club record holder for the number of rebounds he achieved during his time there: 2,829.
TWoodville Warriors club chairman Steven Walker also paid tribute to Joynes’ family, who were by his side in his final moments.
“Jason’s impact… will never be forgotten, a wonderful husband, father and friend. We will always love you and those big hugs you gave, we miss you big boy xx,” Mr Walker said.