Hundreds of people have turned out in Wellington to say goodbye to basketball icon Kenny McFadden.
McFadden died late last week, aged 61, but if one thing was evident today as his friends and former teammates spoke, it's that his legacy certainly won't die with him.
Hundreds packed the grandstand on a gloomy Wellington day, as former teammates were among those remembering McFadden.
"He had a will like a lion man," Frank Mulvihill said.
"There will never, ever, ever, ever be another Mac Daddy," added Johnny Godinet.
In his playing days, McFadden's 1985 overtime buzzer beater to win the NBL is the stuff of legend.
"That shot Mac hit basically transformed basketball in New Zealand," Mulvihill added.
People who knew him best when he was playing rate him as one of the best they've ever seen in this country.
"Mac was the greatest player to ever play in our NBL," says Wellington Saints owner Nick Mills. "And I'll say that 'til the day I die."
But as Kenny’s playing career finished, he transitioned into a coach, which is perhaps where he had his biggest impact, and touched the lives of the next generation - including current NBA star Steven Adams.
"He made a massive impact in a lot of people's lives," says Tanaka Gapare. "I know for a fact, he made an impact in mine."
The younger generation are promising to continue McFadden’s legacy
"And I will do so by changing my number from 15 to five," says Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones. "This one's for you Kenny, I love you."
Everyone present on Friday will ensure McFadden is never forgotten.
"Forever," says Angelo Robinson when asked how long McFadden's legacy will last. "It's not going to die."
"His legacy with the Saints will live on forever, so long as the Saints are going," adds Mills.
Forever a Saint, and forever in the memory of those close to him,
"I wanna close by saying something Kenny used to say: shoot for the moon, and if you miss you will always be amongst the stars," adds Terry Stallworth.
Kenny McFadden's star is sure to continue to shine bright
