SA’s basketball community rocked by sudden death of Woollacott medallist Greg Olbrich

SA’s basketball community is mourning the sudden loss of a former Woollacott medallist who died Wednesday night during a social game, with Adelaide 36ers coach Scott Ninnis leading the tributes.

Greg Olbrich pictured with Carol Dollery as Adelaide Southern Suns captains in 1995. The Adelaide Giants and Southern Districts merged to form the Adelaide Southern Suns.

Former Woollacott medallist Greg Olbrich has tragically passed away aged 51, after a suffering medical episode while playing basketball on Wednesday night.

The former Adelaide Giants and Southern Tigers player suffered a cardiac arrest during a senior men’s district basketball game at Morphett Vale Stadium.

Sports writer Boti Nagy confirmed Olbrich’s death on Thursday, saying it had “rocked” and “sent shockwaves throughout the basketball community,” across the state.

“To believe he is now gone is almost beyond comprehension,” Nagy wrote in the statement.

“Having successfully traversed some tough personal times, Greg’s inherent kindness and jovial personality made him an extremely popular person to be around.

“Always with a ready smile and a willing ear, he personified the best in a human being, husband, father and brother.

“To say he will long be remembered, forever missed and our time with him cherished, is still a monumental understatement.”

Adelaide Giants basketball player Greg Olbrich, joint winner of the Woollacott Medal, pictured in 1995. Picture: File

Greg Olbrich while running for Onkaparinga Council. Picture: Cathy Davis

At the peak of his basketball career, Olbrich won the Woollacott Medal as “the fairest and most brilliant” plater in SA’s State League – known as NBL1 Central.

Adelaide 36ers NBL coach and friend Scott Ninnis said it was difficult to process his death, after last seeing him at the NBL1 games on Saturday.

The basketball buddies were joint winners of the Woollacott Medal back in 1995, for the Most Valuable Player in the state league competition.

“I go back with Greg from my play days – we played against each other for many years,” Ninnis said.

“Every time we’d see each other at a function or somewhere, one of my smart alec mates would get us to take a picture together – so that became a running joke.

“I spoke to him last year about it and said, no one can ever take this away from you.

“We beat Mark Davis, we beat the two great heads at 36ers, so no one could ever take that away. We’ve been linked for many, many years because of that.”

Ninnis described Olbrich as a “big bear” who was a “warm hearted, good natured, and just a fair dinkum guy who was great to be around”.

“He always had time for a chat, you always knew his heart was in the right place,” he said.

“You could just tell what his family meant to him and you always had great conversations with him.”

Greg Olbrich passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday night while playing senior men’s district basketball for the Southern Tigers. Picture: Facebook

Scott Ninnis said Olbrich was a “fair dinkum guy who was great to be around”. Picture: File

Olbrich’s son Lachlan is steadily carrying the family’s basketball legacy, as a promising player with the Illawarra Hawks.

In a statement to The Advertiser, the club shared their “deepest condolences” to Olbrich’s loved ones following the sad passing.

“The thoughts and best wishes of everybody within the Illawarra Hawks community are with Lachlan and the Olbrich family,” they said.

On Thursday, Olbrich celebrated his 25th anniversary with his “best friend, partner-in-crime, confidant and soulmate,” Jill Olbrich.

“Thanks for being you and putting up with all of my shenanigans. Can’t wait to see what life brings us next!,” Olbrich wrote on a Facebook post.

Jill Olbrich and Greg Olbrich at a Local Business Awards gala presentation night at the Hilton Adelaide. Picture: File

Greg Olbrich’s son Lachlan plays for the Illawarra Hawks. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Southern Tigers Basketball Association, where Olbrich was an esteemed BSA Life Member, remembered him as a “basketball great, a Woollacott medallist, a loving and committed husband, father and friend.”

“Greg was not only a dedicated member of our association but also a cherished friend to many of us,” President Gavin Miller wrote in the Thursday statement.

“His commitment, passion, and positive spirit have left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

“(He) demonstrated unwavering dedication and positivity, serving as an inspiration to us all. “Whether on the court or within our community, Greg exemplified the values of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and leadership, bringing the energy into every space.”

“As we reflect on Greg’s remarkable life and legacy, we also celebrate the passion and positivity he brought into our lives.

“May his influence remain and continue to inspire us to uphold the values he embodied.”

Originally published as SA’s basketball community rocked by sudden death of Woollacott medallist Greg Olbrich