The loss of Olympic player and coach Gregory Andre Francis is mourned by Canada basketball team. Olympic basketball player and former Canadian Greg Francis passed away at age 48. Greg Francis had a big impact on Canadian basketball as a player, coach, and mentor for the national team. It is extremely sad to learn that his vitality has left the world at the age of 48. Keep reading this post to learn what happened to him and Greg Francis cause of death.

What happened to Greg Francis?

Greg Francis, a former member of the Canada men’s basketball team and an Olympian, passed away at the age of 48. The news was confirmed by Canada Basketball on Monday. 

Canada Basketball’s Statement

We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Greg Francis. Greg competed for Canada at both the 1998 FIBA Men’s World Championship and the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. From 2015-18 he was the Manager, Men’s High Performance with Canada Basketball helping Canada capture gold at the 2017 FIBA U19 Men’s Basketball World Cup. Greg’s dedication to basketball was unwavering. His passion for the game, leadership, community building, and coaching made him an inspiration and friend to many. Rest in peace, Coach

Greg Francis cause of death

Greg Francis, the first men’s basketball coach at Ontario Tech University, was a legendary player in Canadian basketball. Tomorrow, he would have turned 49.

Francis developed his skills while playing for the outstanding high school teams at Oakwood Collegiate in the early 1990s, helping them win three OFSSA medals, including gold in 1993. No cause of death has been announced.

It is currently unknown exactly what caused his death, except for the fact that it was confirmed. Neither any official reports nor his family members did not reveal Greg Francis cause of death. Also, we should remember that Family privacy is more important at this difficult time. To learn more about Greg Francis’s passing, we are trying to get in touch with his friends and family.

This section will be updated as soon as possible with any new information that becomes available regarding the terrible event that made so many people cry. We send our heartfelt condolences to Greg Francis’ family, friends, and admirers.

Tributes posted online

Former national team player and coach Leo Rautins was among a number of those who posted tributes online. “So sad to learn that former â†*CanBball player and coach Greg Francis has passed away! I’m in shock. A basketball lifer — and more importantly, a beautiful person who touched so many people. My heartfelt condolences to his family #GoneTooSoon,” Rautins said on Twitter.

“He made a colossal impact as a coach and leader for (so) many. RIP my brother,” said TSN Radio 690 Montreal NBA insider Peter Yannopoulos on Twitter.

Stephanie S. Baron wrote The world lost a good man this week Greg Francis. Prayers for his family, friends, and our Fairfield community. He was a great friend, classmate, and athlete.

CEBL  posted, 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 set up the league’s first-ever player showcase in 2018 during his time with the league. Rest In Peace, Coach 

Obituary for Greg Francis

“Life is eternal, and Love is immortal, and death is only a horizon and horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight”.

Saying goodbye is often difficult, and it can be hard to find the words to express how you feel about a loved one who has passed.  We are sorry to announce the demise news of a good soul and talented player here.

A Canadian football player Greg Francis (48) took his final breath on April 2, 2023. The basketball community valued Greg highly because of his accomplishments, influence, and respect. 

Following a successful playing career with Oakwood Collegiate Institute, Team Ontario, Fairfield University, Team Canada, and professionally abroad, Greg started coaching to support the upcoming generation of athletes. 

He worked as an advisor for Monmouth University, Canada Basketball, the University of Alberta Golden Bears, the University of Waterloo Warriors, the Ontario Tech University Ridgebacks, and most recently for Ontario Basketball.

His passion for the game, leadership, community building, and coaching made him an inspiration and a friend to many. Greg Francis was surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest. Francis is taking pride in the priceless gift of eternal life! Funeral arrangements and services will be announced later by his family members and we will update the details soon. 

Who was Greg Francis?

Francis, who was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, graduated from Oakwood Collegiate Institute with three triple-A OFSAA medals: gold (1993), silver (1990), and bronze (1990). (1989).

Greg’s Collegiate Career

He guided Team Ontario to a silver medal performance at the 1993 Canada Summer Games in Kamloops, British Columbia, during his senior year of high school.

After graduating, Francis enrolled at Fairfield University (NCAA), where he amassed 1,570 points over his four years, ranking fifth all-time in the history of the institution.

He led the Stags to the 1994 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Championship, winning tournament MVP honors in the process. He was a senior in 1994.

National Team of Canada and the Olympics

Francis played an important role for Canada during the 1990s and 2000s on the international level, representing his country at the 1998 FIBA Men’s World Championship and the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.

He switched from playing to coaching after his playing career, leading the men’s basketball teams of the University of Alberta Golden Bears (2009–12), University of Waterloo Warriors (2013–15), and Ontario Tech University Ridgebacks (2019-22).

Francis guided the Alberta Golden Bears to a Canada West championship in 2012, and their campaign ended with a silver medal at the CIS national competition.

Canada Basketball: Men’s High-Performance Manager

Francis was hired by Canada Basketball in 2015 to serve as the Men’s High-Performance Manager. He provided technical leadership for the National Team (NT), Targeted Athlete Strategy (TAS), and Performance Pathway (Gold Medal Profile project) initiatives during his three years with the national sport organization.

During his leadership, Canada won gold at the 2017 FIBA U19 Men’s Basketball World Cup, which was a record-breaking accomplishment for the men’s basketball team at a FIBA competition.

Francis served as the Canadian Elite Basketball League’s (CEBL) first Head of Basketball and assisted in organizing the inaugural player showcase for the league in 2018.

Francis most recently served as the Ontario Basketball Association’s Director of Sport Development, where he provided leadership, strategic direction, and support for all high-performance programs, youth development, and coach education training across the province.

Greg had a steadfast commitment to the game of basketball. He inspired many people and made many of them feel like friends thanks to his love for the game, leadership, community building, and coaching.

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