John Raschke OAM
Hall of Fame Class: 2004 Role: Contributor
Dr. John Raschke is the father of the NBL, it was Raschke’s vision and drive that saw the dream of a national men’s basketball league become a reality in 1979. Between 1979 and 1982 he operated as the Leagues Chairman and as its Commissioner until 1984.
As a player he represented Newcastle, New South Wales and Australian Universities with distinction before beginning his coaching career. In 1965, when he began coaching the New South Wales Open Men’s side, before progressing to the national team in 1970. He led Australia’s Nation Basketball Team to the countries first World Championship appearance which was in Yugoslavi.
He was elected President of Basketball New South Wales in 1974, a position he held for sixteen years, and between 1972 and 1982 he was the President of the Australian Basketball Federation.
He is a life member of Basketball Newcastle, Basketball NSW and the NBL and in 1982 he was inducted as a Life Member of Basketball Australia.
For his tireless work and fearless dedication to Australian basketball, he was awarded an Order of Australia.
Achievements
– Coached New South Wales Open Men (1965 – 68, 1971)
– Coach of the Boomers at World Championship (1970)
– Coach of the first Men’s team at a World Championship (1970)
– Founding father of the NBL.
– President of Australian Basketball Federation (1972 – 1982)
– Basketball Australia Life Member (1982)
– NBL Commissioner (1982 – 1984)
– President of Basketball New South Wales (1974 – 1990)
– Basketball New South Wales Life Member.
– Basketball Newcastle Life Member.
– Received an Order of Australia Medal (OAM)
– Inducted to the Basketball Australia Hall of Fame as a Contributor in 2004 and again as a Legend in 2007.
