WATCH: Basketball community pays tribute to "gentle giant" and "great friend"

Friday 24 May 2024

Members of the Jersey basketball community have shared a video in tribute to the "gentle giant", "mentor", "great friend", and "inspirational dad" who died last weekend after collapsing during a match.

Guillaume Hoareau suffered a cardiac arrest in the men’s inter-insular at Fort Regent last Saturday and died in hospital a short time later.

The match was abandoned and spectators were asked to leave.

The Jersey Basketball Association said Mr Hoareau, who was married and had a young family, had been "fit" and "healthy" and was not known to have any underlying health problems.

Pictured: Jersey player Guillaume Hoareau passed away after he collapsed during a match against Guernsey last Saturday at Fort Regent.

In the video, created by JBBA Mens player Josh Hearmon, members who worked with Mr Hoareau on the committee or whom he coached, mentored, played alongside or positively impacted, spoke earnestly about their memories of him. Family and friends also sent in clips.

Jake Michel, Men's team captain, said Mr Hoareau was the "kindest, most loving person int he world", adding: "He was willing to help you at the drop of a hat. You could call him, text him, at any time."

Others said he was "always caring, asking people questions, never selfish" and "there was never a bad day when G was around".

Contributors to the video called him a "mentor", "more than a coach", "a great friend", "leader", "gentle giant", "role model", "family member", and "inspirational dad."

"If everyone could be like him, then the world would be a better place. He was just a fantastic human being," another said.

In a statement released earlier this week, which the JBA said it had shared with the permission of Mr Hoareau's family, Paul Milbank, the association's president, said: "The loss of Guillaume is a terrible shock to us all.

"G was a pivotal part of our basketball community. He was an inspiration and mentor to both our senior and junior players.

"He was passionate about basketball and improving the game in the Island. He proudly represented Jersey at the Island Games and alongside the kids that he coached.

"Beyond his official roles, G was our friend, our brother, and the lifeblood of our community. His energy, passion and huge spirit have given us so much enjoyment and pride over so many years.

"We wish to express our sincere condolences to his wife and young family, who we will do everything we can to support during this sad time.

"We also pass on our deepest sympathies to his wider family, friends and colleagues at RBC."

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