LOUGHBOROUGH - Basketball in the UK is mourning the loss of the legendary Bill McInnes who was the interim chair of the British Basketball Federation.

As a player and team captain, McInnes enjoyed a distinguished international career after representing both Scotland and Great Britain on 176 occasions, starting all his 28 competitive GB games, and finishing as the leading scorer in eight of them.

He passed away last Saturday at the age of 71 and it wasn’t long before tributes came pouring in for the popular Scot.

"Bill was a wonderful gentleman and guardian of basketball" said British Basketball Chief Executive, Lisa Wainwright. "In my very short time of working and being supported by Bill at British Basketball, I have learned so much and grown so fond of him.

"The quickness of his illness has been a shock to many of us and his lovely family, who our hearts and love go out to. He will be remembered by so many and his legacy within basketball is for us all to continue."

Meanwhile Kevin Pringle, Chief Executive of Basketball Scotland added: "Having known and worked so closely with Bill for such a long time, I am deeply saddened by the news of his passing after a short illness. Our thoughts are with Bill's family at this extremely difficult time. Bill was instrumental in his work, both on and off the basketball court and will be sorely missed by the whole Scottish Basketball community."

His knowledge and leadership qualities assisted him greatly in the discharge of his duties as Chair of Basketball Scotland and Chair of the British Basketball Federation.

McInnes was recognised for his services to basketball in the 2000 New Year's Honours list with the Queen awarding him an Order of the British Empire (OBE).

He also served as Chair of the British Basketball Federation, was a member of the National Olympic Committee, Chair of the British Masters Basketball Association and was a Director with Basketball Scotland, which he previously chaired from 1990 to 2008.

Ian Curryer, Independent Director, will be acting temporarily as interim Chair of British Basketball.

FIBA