Slovakian legend Stanislav Kropilak passes away aged 67

BRATISLAVA (Slovakia) - Slovakian basketball legend Stanislav Kropilak has passed away at the age of 67, it was confirmed on Friday.

Kropilak was recognized as the best Slovakian player of the 20th century and was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2021.

The power forward/center competed at seven consecutive FIBA EuroBasket tournaments; winning bronze medals with Czechoslovakia in 1977 and 1981 before upgrading to silver in a runners-up finish in the 1985 edition.

With 760 points in Europe's flagship competition, he is 12th on the all-time top scorers list.

Kropilak also played at two different Olympics as well as making two appearances at the FIBA Basketball World Cup, whilst also winning five league titles at club level between 1979-85 at Inter Bratislava and RH Pardubice.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Mr. Stanislav Kropilak," said FIBA Executive Director Europe, Kamil Novak. "Stanislav will be remembered as a dedicated servant of European basketball, in particular from his capacity as a top European player of his generation and President of the club Inter Bratislava. It is people like Stanislav who help build a reputation for our sport and he will be sadly missed.

"I will always keep in good memory the time spent with him back in 1984 when I started in the Czechoslovakian National Team and I will never forget his great support. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time."

Kropilak was named Slovakian Player of the Year on 10 occasions from 1975-84 and went on to become the President of Inter Bratislava. He was also part of FIBA's 50 Greatest Players in 1991.

FIBA