Jason Rabedeaux, coach of the Saigon Heat, Vietnam’s first professional basketball team, passed away on Monday, just a day after his team took fourth place at the Asian Basketball League Championship.
According to Thanh Nien, he was found unconscious on the floor of his District 7 home by family members and was rushed to FV Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Rabedeaux, the Heat’s coach since 2012, led his team to victory over the Indonesia's Warriors 72-61 less than 24 hours before his death.
Harry Hodge, who covers the team for the Saigon Times got to know Rabedeaux after covering the team since its inaugural season:
“On a personal note, as someone who’s covered the team since their first press conference in 2011, “Coach Rab” was never to busy to reply with a quote or provide a soundbite. In an industry full of egos, the larger-than-life Rabedeaux was one of the nice guys. And while 49 is far too young to leave us, his family, friends and fans can take solace that he won the last game he coached.”
