Who was Greg Francis? Olympian, former Canada basketball player dead at 48

Greg Francis, a former Canadian Olympic basketball player, and coach passed away on April 2, 2023, just two days before his 49th birthday.

Greg Francis was born and raised in Toronto, where he attended Oakwood Collegiate Institute and led the school to three OFSAA medals, including gold in 1993.

Greg Francis then earned a scholarship to Fairfield University in Connecticut, where he became one of the school’s all-time leading scorers and three-point shooters.

Greg Francis began his coaching career with Canada Basketball, serving as an assistant coach for the senior men’s team and a head coach for the under-18 team.

Greg Francis also coached at the collegiate level with Monmouth University, the University of Alberta, the University of Waterloo, and Ontario Tech University.

Greg Francis led Alberta to a Canada West title and a national silver medal in 2012. He was most recently the director of sport development for Ontario Basketball.