“Basketball Australia and the entire basketball community are deeply saddened by the news of Mike Wrublewski’s passing and our thoughts go out to his family,” said Sengstock.

“Mike was a pioneer of the NBL who had a crazy vision of taking basketball from the tin sheds in which it was being played into major arenas. It is a true reflection of his energy, his passion and his brilliance that he was actually able to realise that dream.

“Mike almost single-handedly put basketball on the map in Sydney, and turned the Sydney Kings into an iconic Australian sporting team. The fact that he did so whilst working in Australia’s toughest sports and entertainment market is all the more amazing.

“BA, the NBL, the WNBL and all of basketball owes him an incalculable debt and we will now look for some appropriate way in which we can honour his legacy.”

Wrublewski's funeral will be 10am on Wednesday 2 September at The Temple Emanuel at 7 Ocean St., Woollahra.

To read one fan’s message after Mike’s passing click here.