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7 October 2025  3 min read

Basketball community mourns loss of Lee Linton-Hodges, 1990-2025

The announcement came from Linton-Hodges' club, Endeavour Ipswich Basketball, where the talismanic centre spent the bulk of his career.

An instantly-recognisable figure standing at 7'0", he is fondly remembered by so many across the game, as fans, opponents, officials, team-mates and friends.

Representing England at junior level and playing for the London Leopards and Hemel Storm, Linton-Hodges' career began in 2005.

The talented forward won the BBC Young Personality of the Year Award in 2007 and captured the NBL National Cup in 2018 with the Storm, averaging 10 points and six rebounds in that season.

Endeavour Ipswich Basketball head coach Nick Drane said: "Everyone loved Lee. He was the definition of a 'gentle giant'.

"I had the privilege of knowing Lee for over 20 years and basketball was only a small element of our relationship. Lee was the dearest of dear friends and someone who meant so much to me, and to so many people.

"We will all do everything to support his beautiful family through this incredibly difficult time."

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Endeavour Ipswich Basketball Club (@ipswichbball)

Messages of remembrance have come in from across the basketball community.

Former club Essex Rebels said: "The Essex Rebels are devastated to hear of the sudden passing of former player Lee Linton-Hodges.

"Lee was a beloved member of the basketball community and had an immeasurable impact both on and off the court.

"Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and everyone at Ipswich Basketball club."

Former team-mate Sam Newman, who played with Linton-Hodges at Essex, Hemel and Ipswich, added: "He was everyone's 'BFG'.

"Lee has been my (really) big brother for almost 20 years. On and off the court, Lee was a beacon of light to anyone lucky enough to know him.

"I know I can speak for so many when I say there will be a huge hole in our lives for so long. My love goes out to Amy, Teresa and Alfie."

Another long-time team-mate, Colin Dockrell, shared Newman's sentiments, saying: "Lee was truly one of a kind. He dedicated himself 100% to everything he turned his hand to. He wore his heart on his sleeve and was never afraid to show his emotional side, both on and off the court.

"What he will be remembered for by most is how someone of such incredible size could also be so playful, excitable and humorous. When you were with Lee, you knew even in the most serious of situations, he'd find something to laugh about.

"The world is a much sadder place for losing such a truly wonderful, kind, honest and funny person."

Many fans, players and former team-mates responded to social media posts with a heart emoji in Ipswich blue, with a sizable outpouring of emotion across multiple platforms.