The Victorian basketball community is deeply saddened by the passing of Brian Harvey, a beloved figure whose impact on our sport spans decades.
Brian, a Diamond Valley Basketball Association (DVBA) Life Member was highly influential in the foundation and development of the association as we know it today. He was a long-time manager of the Diamond Valley Sports and Fitness Centre and founder of the renowned Civic League, which was regarded as the best senior domestic competition across the state in its time. He was also the driving force behind the Great Australian Shootout, an elite Under 20s tournament that ran for a decade and featured international teams from the USA, New Zealand, and China.
Brian was involved in every aspect of the game, from running programs for beginners to supporting wheelchair and all abilities basketball, to sitting on key committees that helped the Diamond Valley Eagles join the CVIBL and partner with Eltham to form the Northeast Melbourne Arrows. He also played and coached at both the Diamond Valley Eagles and Parkside.
Through his flooring business, Ultimate Sports Enterprises, he supported countless stadiums across Victoria. A leading role in the education of venue managers with Basketball Managers Inc, Brian always gave back. Sponsoring events and venues, and supporting the basketball community however he could. He was a mentor, a connector, and a true legend of the game.
His legacy in basketball lives on through his son Ben, a player and coach himself and still involved at Red Energy Stadium in Bendigo, and granddaughter Mia, a rising star in Victoria Country and NBL1.
We extend our deepest condolences to the Harvey family and all who knew and loved Brian. His presence and passion will be greatly missed.
Rest in peace, Brian.
