The thoughts of Basketball Australia and the WNBL are with MAC Adelaide Lightning coach Chris Lucas following the news he has been diagnosed with cancer of the kidney.
A two-time WNBL Championship coach with the JCU Townsville Fire, Lucas also led the Emerging Opals to their first gold medal in a decade at the World University Games just a week ago.
Lucas’ health is now paramount and both the WNBL and Basketball Australia will provide any support that is needed.
“Obviously our first thoughts are with Chris and his family,” said Basketball Australia CEO Anthony Moore.
“It is a shock and he has a battle ahead but the spirit and determination that he has displayed throughout his coaching career will hold him in good stead.”
“The WNBL are very upset today to hear the news of Chris’ upcoming battle but we will do what sport does best and rally around him and his family to give them all the support they need,” said Head of WNBL, Sally Phillips.
“Everyone in the WNBL family wishes Chris all the very best.”
In the spirit of reconciliation Basketball Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.