John Tabone, described as a legendary basketball player by the Maltese basketball fraternity, has passed away at the age of 71.

Tabone had a notable career spanning five decades, both as a local basketball player and as a coach.

His name is synonymous with the Luxol Basketball Club, having been one of the founding members and also winning several honours for the club.

As the former coach of Luxol BC, Tabone managed to win five consecutive honours between 2007 and 2009, a feat which he described as “his proudest moment”.

Social media is currently flooded with several tributes attesting to his popularity, with Tabone being well-loved and respected in the community.

His son, John il-Ponch Tabone, said “I love you more than words can ever express and the void you left behind is something unimaginable”.