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Euroleague Basketball joins the Italian and global basketball family in mourning Giorgio Armani, the legendary fashion designer and passionate basketball patron, who passed away on Monday at the age of 91. Armani purchased Olimpia Milano in 2008 from Giorgio Corbelli, becoming the club’s sole owner and ushering in a new golden era. Under his stewardship, the team reclaimed its place among Europe’s elite, capturing six Italian League crowns, four Italian Cups, and five Italian Supercups. In 2021, Olimpia Milano returned to the EuroLeague Final Four for the first time since 1992, a milestone achievement in the club’s modern history. Courtside seats in Milan and across the continent often featured Armani himself, a testament to his deep devotion to the game and his players. “Giorgio Armani was a pioneer, a global cultural leader, and a true friend of our sport,” said Dejan Bodiroga, Euroleague Basketball President. “I am deeply grateful for his invaluable contribution and support to Euroleague Basketball, his passing leaves an irreplaceable void, but his legacy will inspire generations to come.”
NBA Communications: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Basketball Hall of Famer and longtime Nike executive George Raveling: George Raveling had an influence on the game of basketball at every level and was a pioneering force behind its global growth. During his long and impactful tenure at Nike, George traveled the world - mentoring multiple generations of players and coaches and promoting the sport that defined his identity. He broke barriers as a college basketball coach and was a towering voice in our industry. I valued my friendship with George and admired how he led with poise, dignity and respect. He was simply one of the most revered individuals in all of basketball. "On behalf of everyone at the NBA, I send my deepest condolences to George's family, friends and the countless people he touched throughout his extraordinary life.
George Raveling (1937-2025)
George Raveling, the former Villanova standout who coached in college basketball for more than two decades before retiring and moving to Nike, has died, according to an announcement from his family on Raveling’s website. His family wrote that he “faced cancer with courage and grace,” and “transitioned peacefully, surrounded by family.” He was 88.
Kim Hughes passes away at age 73
Former Portland Trail Blazers assistant Kim Hughes has passed away at the age of 73. The news came via the Instagram account of former Blazers center Meyers Leonard who wrote the following remembrance:
Mayers Leonard on Kim Hughes: You were like a father. You were my coach. You loved me unconditionally. You pushed me, but always followed up with an arm around me. You taught me about basketball, but more importantly, about life. You were a great father and husband, and that’s what I admired most about you. I’ve never seen someone deal with so much heartache and pain, yet you never complained, and always found a way through. You were a straight shooter and as truthful as it gets, yet you knew how to love and protect me. It’s hard to believe you’re gone, and I love you so much Kim Hughes. I will never forget the day that we had yesterday. We talked man to man, and really, more like father to son. We laughed, we talked about all of our amazing memories together, you ate a little of your favorite foods, you had a smile on your face that I’ll never forget, and we just simply spent quality time with your family. When I helped lay you down for bed last night, I didn’t think it would be my last time ever talking to you. We gave each other a big hug, which almost felt to me like every last bit of strength you had. We met eye to eye and I told you that I loved you so much and that I would see you again in the morning. You told me you loved me so much, and that God willing, I would see you again in the morning. Man.. what I would do to tell you that I love you just one last time. I promise to carry on your memory. I promise that some day my two boys will know about Kim Hughes, when they’re old enough to understand. I promise to be there for your wife and children, just as you would for me, if roles were reversed for you and I right now.
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NBA Communications: NBA COMMISSIONER ADAM SILVER'S STATEMENT REGARDING THE PASSING OF CAROLINE KLEIN NEW YORK, Aug. 22, 2025-NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Smith Entertainment Group Chief Communications Officer Caroline Klein: "The NBA family mourns the passing of our colleague and friend, Caroline Klein. Caroline was a leader within the Utah Jazz, Smith Entertainment Group, and across the league. Her passion, determination, and generosity left a lasting impact on everyone she met, and she played a pivotal role in making the 2023 NBA All-Star Game in Utah an unforgettable celebration of the Jazz organization and the Salt Lake City community. Even after her diagnosis, Caroline remained dedicated to supporting her colleagues and embraced every opportunity with courage and grace. She will always be remembered for the example she set and the lives she touched. "We extend our deepest condolences to her husband, Mike; her family and friends; Ryan and Ashley Smith; and her many colleagues at the Jazz and Utah Mammoth."
ABA star Larry Jones dies at age 83
Columbus has lost a basketball trailblazer. Larry R. Jones, a standout guard from East High School who starred for the University of Toledo and played 10 years in the NBA and ABA, died Aug. 16 at age 83. Jones, a 2011 inductee into the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame, spent the bulk of his pro career in the ABA starring for the Denver Rockets, Floridians, Utah Stars and Dallas Chaparrals. He played two seasons in the NBA for the Philadelphia 76ers and finished his playing career with the Munich Eagles in Germany in 1975 before playing one game for the Wilkes-Barre Barons of the Eastern Basketball Association in 1975-76.
Omaha forward Deng Mayar died in a drowning incident in Utah, the school confirmed Sunday. Mayar was 22. While swimming at Blackridge Reservoir in Herriman, Utah, Mayar and a friend, Sa Mafutaga, both began to struggle to stay afloat, according to the Herriman Police Department.
Peter Vecsey: Lloyd Williams, 80, has died. A refined gentleman, he welcomed me 2 Harlem in 71 when I fielded a Rucker Park team. I was always glad when he was suddenly by my side & participated in Harlem Week, which he founded, whenever asked. Nobody projected the community more positively.
Former Hawks owner Tom Cousins dies at 93
Thomas "Tom" Cousins, a transformative figure in Atlanta's real estate landscape and civic life, has passed away at the age of 93, according to Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Cousins played a leading role in shaping the city’s skyline, spearheading the development of several landmark buildings and projects across metro Atlanta. He was also a generous philanthropist and a former owner of the Atlanta Hawks.
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The following was released to media on behalf of the Atlanta Hawks & State Farm Arena: “The Atlanta Hawks extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Tom Cousins, a visionary builder of communities, unmatched philanthropist, and a former Hawks owner who had an enduring impact on the city’s sports landscape and the geographic footprint that now makes up our thriving Downtown Atlanta region. Developed by Cousins, the original home of the Hawks – the Omni Coliseum – shaped fans, memories and downtown for a quarter of a century.”
On Monday, Steph Curry's grandmother (Candy Adams) passed away. His mother (Sonya) made the announcement (via Instagram). She wrote: "Heaven gained an angel, and we lost our heart. Today we say goodbye to our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. A woman who taught us to love fiercely, laugh often, and keep family at the center of everything. Her love lives on in every hug we give, every story we tell, and every lesson she left us with. As Luther said, “A house is not a home when there’s no one there to hold you tight.” You were our home and now your love lives in all of us. Rest easy now, we’ll carry you with us, always. ❤️ I love you Mommy"
Ronald Duwayne Ekker, former West Texas State head coach and longtime NBA assistant, died peacefully on July 6 at the age of 90. Ekker, who guided the Buffaloes from 1973 to 1978, was inducted into the West Texas A&M Hall of Champions in 2010 and leaves behind a legacy that spanned more than five decades in basketball.
Among the standout players he recruited at WT was future NBA Hall of Famer Maurice Cheeks. Ekker also spent nine seasons coaching in the Continental Basketball Association before transitioning to the NBA, where he served as an assistant coach with the Dallas Mavericks under Hall of Fame coach Don Nelson, the Cleveland Cavaliers under John Lucas, and the Orlando Magic under Johnny Davis.
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