GOLD COAST (Australia) - It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we acknowledge the passing of former FIBA Oceania Board Member, and former Papua New Guinea Basketball President, Nick Daroa.
Nick was more than a leader; he was the heartbeat and moral compass of the Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea (BFPNG).
Nick was elected to the FIBA Oceania Board in 2019 before stepping down due to being elected as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BFPNG in 2020. A man of integrity who consistently delivered will be deeply missed in Papua New Guinea, and across the wider Oceania basketball community.
FIBA Oceania President, David Reid made the following comments. “Nick was a true leader who got things done. His life-long commitment to basketball development in Papua New Guinea, and across the Oceania region reflected his basketball passion, and he will be remembered for those valuable contributes on, and off the court. Our basketball community is better for his involvement; he will be sorely missed.”
He was elected to the BFPNG Board as President in 2011, leading basketball development before stepping down from the role in 2020 after being appointed BFPNG CEO. Nick also served as a FIBA 3x3 national coach, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to every facet of the sport. His vision and tireless efforts were instrumental in transforming BFPNG, culminating in its rebranding and professionalisation, including the pivotal appointment of the first CEO for their national federation, Joel Khalu.
A testament to his leadership, Nick was President of BFPNG during the successful hosting of the 2015 Pacific Games, and BFPNG also proudly hosted and won the inaugural 2017 FIBA Melanesia Cup for both men and women. During his tenure BFPNG also hosted the FIBA U15 Oceania Championships in 2018 and participated in the FIBA U17 Skills Challenge. These achievements brought regional and international recognition to BFPNG and showcased the nation's developing talent.
Beyond the competitive arena, Nick's true legacy lies in his profound belief in the transformative power of sport. He championed the introduction of FIBA Foundation’s Basketball for Good, introducing grassroots programs like Twilight Basketball, Hoops for Health, Mum's a Hero, and Pikinini Hoops. These programs continue to reach countless individuals, using basketball as a vehicle to promote discipline, respect, gender equality teamwork, and overall positive community development. His dedication saw BFPNG's participation numbers grow significantly with their programs earning third place at the FIBA Foundation Basketball For Good awards in 2019 and 2021, also recognised at the PNG SP Sports Awards for ‘Community Sports Initiative’.
Nick Daroa was a mentor, a guiding light, and a father figure to many PNG basketballers. His passion never waned, and even after concluding his official capacity with BFPNG, he remained committed to offering support, a testament to his enduring love for the game.
The basketball courts across Papua New Guinea, and the wider Oceania region, are better because of Nick, a man who poured his heart and soul into the sport. His legacy will undoubtedly live on through the countless lives he touched, the programs he established, and the foundation he built for basketball in PNG.
Our deepest condolences go out to Nick's family, his friends, and the entire basketball family in Papua New Guinea during this incredibly difficult time. He will be profoundly missed, but his spirit will continue to inspire generations of basketball players and enthusiasts.
FIBA