The Liberian basketball community is in mourning following the passing of Fred Prat, former Secretary General of the Liberia Basketball Association (LBA), who died on Wednesday, March 26. A towering figure in the sport, Prat’s dedication and leadership left an indelible mark on basketball in Liberia.
The LBA announced Prat’s death with heavy hearts, remembering him as a devoted administrator, mentor, and pioneer who tirelessly worked to elevate Liberian basketball. Though the cause of his death has not been disclosed, tributes have poured in from players, officials, and fans, all celebrating a man whose life was deeply intertwined with the game.
Prat’s contributions were formally recognized last year when he received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the LBA’s 2024 awards ceremony, a fitting honor for a man who served not only as LBA Secretary General but also as Secretary General of the Liberia National Olympic Committee. His influence extended beyond administration; he was a former player, a respected referee, and later, the Chief Referee of the LBA, shaping the sport at every level.
Under his leadership, Liberian basketball saw structural improvements and increased organization. Colleagues remember him as a visionary who pushed for professionalism and development in the sport.
Varmah Kamara, President of the Sports Writers Association of Liberia, expressed the collective grief of the basketball fraternity: “Our deepest condolences to the basketball family. This world is not our own… May God forgive his sins.”
The LBA described Prat’s passing as a “significant loss”, emphasizing his innovative approach and unwavering commitment. His absence leaves a void, but his legacy lives on in the players, referees, and administrators he mentored over the years.
As Liberia’s basketball community reflects on his life, one thing remains clear: Fred Prat was more than an administrator, he was a pillar of the game, and his impact will endure for generations.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.
