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FIBA TITAN STANKOVIC DIES, AGED 94

By on March 20, 2020

Borislav Stankovic, one of the titans of world basketball, has died at the age of 94.

The former FIBA Secretary-General passed away at his home in Belgrade, Serbian media reported.

As FIBA’s Secretary General between 1976-2002, he was instrumental in the belated end of shamateurism in international hoops, a path that led to NBA players competing in the Olympic Games and other events and the arrival of 1992 USA Dream Team which opened up the sport following a fruitful friendship with the late Commissioner of the NBA, David Stern.

In his early incarnation as a player, he debuted for Red Star Belgrade (now Crvena Zvezda) after World War Two and was also a Yugoslav international. After retiring, he coached at OKK Beograd and Cantu.

Stankovic was inducted into the Naismith and FIBA Basketball Hall of Fames and was also a member of the International Olympic Committee.

FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis said: “On behalf of FIBA, I wish to express our deepest sympathies and pass on our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Stankovic’s family, friends and loved ones.

“Whether as participant to the first-ever World Cup game in 1950, as organizer of the first-ever World Cup taking place in Europe (Yugoslavia, 1970) or as leader of the International Basketball Federation for a quarter of a century, Borislav Stankovic will always be one of the most important figures in the history of our sport. We are eternally grateful to him for all he did in implementing concrete changes without which FIBA would not be where it is today.”

It is with profound sadness that FIBA on March 20, 2020, confirmed the passing of FIBA Secretary General Emeritus Borislav Stankovic. He was 94 years old.

Borislav Stankovic served as FIBA’s second Secretary General from 1976 to 2002 and was a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He had been FIBA’s Secretary General Emeritus since 2003.

FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis said: “On behalf of FIBA, I wish to express our deepest sympathies and pass on our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Stankovic’s family, friends and loved ones.

“Whether as participant to the first-ever World Cup game in 1950, as organizer of the first-ever World Cup taking place in Europe (Yugoslavia, 1970) or as leader of the International Basketball Federation for a quarter of a century, Borislav Stankovic will always be one of the most important figures in the history of our sport. We are eternally grateful to him for all he did in implementing concrete changes without which FIBA would not be where it is today.”

He is survived by one daughter, two granddaughters and two great grandchildren

Pic: FIBA

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