The Canadian basketball community is mourning the loss of a beloved figure, Greg Francis, who passed away on April 3, 2023. As a Canadian basketball legend, Francis made significant contributions to the sport both as a player and coach. His untimely passing has left a deep void in the hearts of his family, friends, and the entire Canadian basketball community.
Keep reading this article to learn more about Greg Francis, including Who he was, how he died, what was his cause of death and much more.
Who was Greg Francis?
Greg Francis, a former Canadian basketball player, was born on April 4, 1974, and served as the Director of Sport Development with Ontario Basketball. Prior to this, he held various basketball coaching positions, including Manager of Men’s High-Performance at Canada Basketball, head coach of the UOIT Ridgebacks, University of Waterloo Warriors men’s basketball team, and the University of Alberta Golden Bears. He replaced Don Horwood, who had been coaching the Bears for 26 seasons. Francis also served as the head coach of the Canadian junior men’s national team, assistant coach of the Canadian senior men’s national team, and Canadian men’s basketball national coach.
Greg Francis was a player on the Canadian National men’s basketball team that competed in the 2000 Summer Olympics held in Sydney, Australia. The team finished in seventh place. Additionally, he was a member of the team that finished fourth in the 2003 Tournament of the Americas. With his vast experience in various basketball roles, Francis has become a respected figure in the Canadian basketball community.
How did Greg Francis die? What was his Cause of death?
Greg Francis, a former member of the Canadian men’s basketball national team and Olympian, passed away on April 3, 2023, at the age of 48. The news was confirmed by Canada Basketball on Monday. At present, the reason for his passing has not been disclosed. Greg Francis was a highly dedicated and passionate individual when it came to the game of basketball. He was known for his leadership skills, his ability to bring communities together, and his coaching expertise, which made him an inspiration to many. His untimely passing has left a deep void in the Canadian basketball community, and his legacy will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew him.
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Career of Greg Francis
After retiring from playing professional basketball, Greg Francis, a native of Toronto, transitioned into coaching. He held several head coaching positions, including the University of Alberta Golden Bears from 2009-2012, University of Waterloo Warriors from 2013-2015, and the Ontario Tech University Ridgebacks from 2019-2022. During his tenure as head coach of the Golden Bears, Francis led them to a Canada West title and a CIS national silver medal in 2012.
Prior to starting his coaching career, Greg Francis played professional basketball for the Worthing Bears in the British Basketball League. He was selected to play for the UK All-Star Team during the 1997-1998 season and also played for the Chester Jets in the 1999-2000 season.
Additionally, Francis represented Canada in basketball at both the 1998 FIBA men’s world championship and the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. With his experience as both a player and coach, Francis made a significant impact in the Canadian basketball community and will be remembered for his contributions to the sport.
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Tributes to Greg Francis
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former MBB Head Coach Greg Francis. Greg coached our Warriors for three seasons (2012-15) making an everlasting impression on our student-athletes.
— Waterloo Warriors (@WlooWarriors) April 3, 2023
Our thoughts are with Greg's family and friends during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/wJ3lb1Dwnc
CEBL Wrote,
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Greg Francis.
Greg was a dear friend of the CEBL family, was the CEBL’s first ever Head of Basketball and helped setup the league’s first ever player showcase in 2018 during his time with the league.
Rest In Peace, Coach 
Rest in Power my friend. Greg Francis will be remembered by the basketball community as a great player, coach, mentor, and lights out shooter. A Canadian Basketball legend. 🇨🇦 🏀
— Paul Bromby (@PaulBromby) April 3, 2023
His friends will tell you he was a great person who always filled the room with his kindness. 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/BVjstSLArB
GRIT PERFORMANCE ATHLETICS Wrote,
The Canadian basketball community is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Canadian basketball legend Greg Francis.
A builder of the game national we send condolences to Greg’s family and friends and thank him for his massive contributions to the game at all levels in our beautiful country.
Rest in peace Coach.
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