Davies was a star of the Australian Boomers program and the NBL, renowned for his brilliant three-point shooting and prolific scoring.

On the international stage, Davies represented Australia at two Olympic Games (1980 Moscow and 1984 Los Angeles), finishing the 1980 tournament as the leading scorer with 209 points at a remarkable average of 29.9 points per game.

Davies would also play for the Boomers at the 1982 and 1986 FIBA World Championships, in an international career that saw him play for the national team on more than 80 occasions.

After a success stint playing college basketball for Graceland University in the USA, Davies returned to Australia and the NBL in 1980, suiting up for Launceston Casino City. He would be the cornerstone of Launceston’s 1981 NBL Championship – leading his hometown team to their only title.

The championship success in Launceston would be followed by a four-season stay at the Newcastle Falcons, before a move to the Geelong Supercats in 1986 and the Sydney Kings in 1988, where he would end his playing days in 1990 with 252 games to his name.

Basketball Australia Chief Executive Officer Kristina Keneally said: “On behalf of Basketball Australia, I extend our deepest sympathies to Ian’s family and friends at this difficult time.

“Beyond his prolific presence on the international stage and outstanding contribution to the National Basketball League, Ian will be remembered fondly among the basketball community for his warm personality and character.”

The free-scoring Davies was inducted into the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame in 2001.

Beyond his playing days, Davies stayed involved in basketball, working throughout Tasmania, New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Queensland and South Australia.