The Australian and New Zealand basketball communities are in mourning after the shock death of the man who played a key role in delivering the first NBL championship to the NZ Breakers.
Kevin Braswell, a former New Zealand Breakers player and head coach, has died at the age of 46.
The American basketballer passed away in Japan on February 24, 2025, weeks after undergoing emergency heart surgery.
Braswell had been hospitalised in Utsunomiya since January 17 due to a heart condition.
Although the surgery was successful, he suffered complications that ultimately led to his passing. His death was confirmed by his current club, Utsunomiya Brex.
Born in Baltimore, Braswell played college basketball at Georgetown University from 1998 to 2002.
Kevin Brasell helped deliver the first ever NBL championship to the New Zealand Breakers
Braswell was known for his strong defence and leadership qualities across his NBL career
Braswell had transitioned to coaching and was working in Japan when he suffered a heart attack
He became the school’s all-time leader in assists and steals before going undrafted in the 2002 NBA Draft. He played professionally across Europe, South America, and the NBA D-League before arriving in New Zealand in 2010.
Braswell joined the Breakers for the 2010-11 season, helping the team secure their first-ever NBL championship.
Braswell hit several clutch shots in the five-game series, including a pivotal three-pointer in game two that kept his side in the hunt for the championship.
His contributions earned him the NBL Sixth Man of the Year award.
He later played in the New Zealand NBL, winning two titles with the Southland Sharks before transitioning into coaching.
As a coach, Braswell found success leading the Wellington Saints to back-to-back New Zealand NBL titles in 2017 and 2018.
He was appointed head coach of the Breakers in 2018 but held the position for just one season.
He continued coaching in New Zealand before moving to Japan, where he became an assistant coach for Utsunomiya Brex in 2023. He was promoted to head coach for the 2024-25 season.
The former Breaker underwent emergency heart surgery which was successful, but later died in hospital
Basketball communities across Australia, New Zealand and the United States are mourning the death of Braswell
Braswell’s legacy will be his efforts to help grow the sport in New Zealand at all levels
Utsunomiya Brex released a statement expressing their sorrow:
‘We would like to express our heartfelt respect and gratitude to Mr. Braswell for his dedication to the development of the club and his contribution to the growth of the team over the course of two seasons,’ the club posted.
‘We will miss him and express our deepest condolences for his passion and dedication.’
The New Zealand Breakers also paid tribute to their former player and coach.
‘Today we mourn the passing of Breakers legend Kevin Braswell. KB, a former player, championship winner, sixth man of the year, and head coach passed away overnight. Our thoughts and aroha go out to his family at this time,’ the club posted.
Other organisations, including the Wellington Saints, Southland Sharks, and the New Zealand National Basketball League, also acknowledged Braswell’s contributions to the sport.
Basketball New Zealand reflected on his impact in a statement.
‘Kevin Braswell, or KB as he was known to many, was so much more than a player or coach. He was a leader who poured so much of his time, energy, and love into growing the game in Aotearoa,’ it read.
Following his passing, Utsunomiya Brex announced that funeral and memorial services would be held in his home country in accordance with the wishes of his bereaved family.
The club also declined offerings of condolence gifts and donations, asking instead for thoughts and prayers for Braswell’s loved ones.
