Basketball Australia CEO Larry Sengstock has resigned from the organisation, but declined to give a reason.
“I am very proud of my achievements over the last three years as CEO of Basketball Australia,” said Sengstock in s statement. “Our already strong participation numbers have continued to grow and the international record of Australia as fifth of 213 nations in a truly global game is incredible.
“Our Women’s National Basketball League has just had one of the best years of its 30-plus seasons and of course the National Basketball League is back on free-to-air television and has achieved growth in both spectator and TV audience numbers and is poised for further growth in all areas in future years.
“I feel satisfied I have made a significant contribution to basketball and look forward to seeing the sport build on its recent achievements.”
The statement said he declined to make further comment.
Chairman of the Board, Kristina Keneally, expressed her appreciation for Sengstock’s contribution to Basketball Australia.
“Larry took on the CEO’s job in 2009; just months after NBL clubs and State and Territory Associations passed a unanimous vote for the unification of basketball at all levels under the governance of Basketball Australia. He has worked hard to make that unification a reality – drawing together the constituent members of BA and creating a single voice for the sport,” Keneally said.
“Pleasingly, these stronger connections across the basketball family – players and fans – has led to increased attendance at NBL and WNBL games, and increased viewership on television.”
Keneally noted the creation of NBL Community to drive and promote the work of professional clubs in supporting community and charity initiatives. She also praised the success Australian teams had secured during Larry’s tenure.
“One of the great accomplishments of basketball in recent years is the success of our national teams, and our stand-out international ranking as one of the top five basketball-playing nations in the world,” Keneally said. The Australian women’s team is ranked second in the world and the men are ninth.
“Larry Sengstock is one of this country’s greatest basketball players, and will always be a great ambassador for the sport. His contribution to the growth of basketball in Australia over the past 35 years cannot be underestimated. He will always hold a very special and honoured place in Australian basketball,” Keneally said.
“The Board has decided to take Basketball Australia in a new direction, and refocus the organisation’s resources and structure to best deliver on its recently adopted Strategic Plan.”
The Board of BA will be commencing its search for a new CEO immediately.
“The Board has decided to take Basketball Australia in a new direction, and refocus the organisation’s resources and structure to best deliver on its recently adopted Strategic Plan.” BA Board member and former CEO Scott Derwin has agreed to act as an interim CEO until a new Chief Executive Officer is appointed.
