Losing a father figure is always hard. It becomes only more difficult when they have had a genuine life-changing impact on you. Something similar was the case with Luc Longley who recently lost his father, the NBL icon Rick Longley. Luc is a name that hasn’t gone unnoticed. His absence was even felt in The Last Dance.

Longley is the first-ever Australian basketball player who made it to the NBA. Many might remember him as one of the most crucial players who led the Chicago Bulls. However, very few are aware that Longley also hails from a family rich in talent. The death of Longley’s father Rick Longley has deeply shaken the fans. 

Although Longley may not have had an extensive career in the NBA, he is still remembered as a gem. Hence, with his father’s passing, no doubt the basketball world remembered the family in their prayers. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Longley family after the passing of inaugural Perth Wildcats centre Richard ‘Rick’ Longley,” the Wildcats shared to honor the legend. But during these times is exactly when the legacies are celebrated. So, who is Rick Longley?

Rick Longley: A pioneering legend

An award-winning architect by profession, Rick made his love for the sport evident. Coming out of retirement back in 1982, he became a part of the newly-established Perth Wildcats’ debut season in the NBL. As one of the oldest players in league history back in the ’80s, he played eight games for the Wildcats, averaging 4.5 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. He had also represented Australia many times and was part of the Olympic squad twice.

Now we know where the Chicago Bulls legend Luc gets it from. After the end of his career in the NBA, the basketball legend Luc helped Australia lead as a coach. Luc was also part of the Olympic team as a player in 1988, 1992, and 2000. Both the father and son were important members of the West Australian basketball community. 

All the organizations that the late Rick Longley was part of sent heartwarming messages to pay tribute.

Heartrending messages and condolences pour in for Rick Longley 

As a representative of the sport in Australia, Rick made several contributions. “The NBL is saddened by the loss of former Perth Wildcats player, Rick Longley,” the statement read. The NBL sends its deepest condolences to the Longley family during this difficult time.” 

Rick married Emeritus Professor Kateryna Longley. For two games, his son Luc played for the Wildcats before heading to the NBA, where destiny had a bigger and more interesting story for him. 

After being drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves, he went on to play with the Bulls and won three championship titles. Now, he also partly owns the NBL club Sydney Kings. “Hoops Capital (ownership group) sends its deepest condolences to the Longley family during this difficult time,” the Kings’ statement read.

Apart from Luc, his sibling, Griffin also played for the Wildcats. So, the father and the two sons were involved with this club. While most information on Rick is not documented, he has certainly left his mark on the basketball world. No doubt the Longley family remains a very important part of the WA basketball community.