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Basketball WA wish to express their heartfelt sadness in learning of the loss of Wanneroo Basketball Association Life Member and Club Legend Van Kailis, on Thursday morning.

Van gave so much to basketball and played an integral part of the WBA (for more than 30 years). He was also a former SBL Coach of the year (1990), coaching the Wolves WSBL to two championships (1986 and 1990), working as an assistant coach of the Wolves Men’s SBL team and also working as an assistant coach at the Perth Breakers in their inaugural year in the WNBL.

He coached many WABL teams as well as being on the WABL Commission, plus coached WA State teams. He was also known for his USA development tours, taking both girls and boys teams to the USA for tournament play over a 20 year period.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Van’s wife, Mary, his family and friends and the Wanneroo Basketball Community at this very sad time.

Rest In Peace.