Instagram story viewer> @pjae08> Tagged

PJ King

@pjae08

717

followers

887

following

Director of Foundation Basketball Limited

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Like so many across the community, we are devastated by the recent passing of our brother PJ King.

Much has been shared about PJ's contribution to basketball and the countless young people whose lives he impacted, but what many may not know is his connection to Fale Dojo and pro wrestling in New Zealand. We would like to share some of that history and the part he played in our beginnings.

PJ and Toks were longtime friends whose bond grew during their school days at De La Salle College. In 2016, PJ worked alongside Fale to organise On the Mat at The Trusts Arena in Henderson, helping to stage an international New Japan pro wrestling show despite having limited resources and a small team.

It was a challenging period for everyone involved, but their efforts would eventually contribute to the establishment of Fale Dojo. When PJ visited the Dojo in 2018, he was moved by what had been accomplished and proud to see the fruits of what he and Fale had worked towards.

PJ eventually pursued his passion for basketball, but he maintained his friendship with Fale and his connection to the Dojo. Over the years, PJ regularly brought his basketball teams and youth groups to Fale Dojo for training sessions and to attend live shows.

Through Foundation Basketball, which he established with his wife Krissie, PJ dedicated much of his life to helping young people develop their skills, confidence and character. His commitment to serving others extended well beyond the basketball court.

As we remember PJ and the faithful contribution he made to the wider community, we also acknowledge his place in the history of Fale Dojo and the friendship he shared with Fale over so many years.

Our deepest condolences go to Krissie, their children, family, friends and everyone who had the privilege of knowing PJ.

Rest in peace, uso. Your contribution to our history will never be forgotten.

O le ala i le pule o le tautua.
The pathway to leadership is through service.

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
Galatians 6:9

261

1

Honouring the life & legacy of PJ King

At Le Va, we join the many communities across Aotearoa in honouring PJ King and sending our love and condolences to his aiga.

Known across Aotearoa for his incredible contributions to basketball, men and young people in particular, fewer people know just how instrumental PJ was in supporting our Atu-Mai Fathers Fono programme.

We often talk about leadership as tautua – service – and PJ embodied this in his many community roles.

From the simple morning check-ins over a cup of koko to the meaningful talanoa about life, and family, PJ always made time for people.

PJ was a true leader and role model of positive masculinity. He wasn’t afraid to stand up for what was right. He was a firm believer that violence is not our culture, and he lived by those words.

He courageously lent his voice to breaking the silence around child sexual abuse, sharing his insights and standing alongside us on the GPS conference stage last year. Whenever Atu-Mai needed someone to champion violence prevention, PJ was always willing to show up and stand with us.

His mana lives on through every conversation he started, every young person he encouraged, every father he supported and every life he touched.

We are grateful for his friendship, his wisdom and his unwavering support of our kaupapa.

To his wife, children and wider aiga, we hold you close in our hearts during this difficult time.

Ia manuia lou Malaga PJ. Rest in Love.

364

9

Grateful I got to give my brother his flowers in this life 💐... 💔

76

14

Love 🏀🤍

2k

83

Coach Pjae. Coach P. 👑

Im still finding it hard to belive that you are no longer here with us. It still hasn't fully hit me yet. Feels like today I would see you for work.

I feel like it was only yesterday when I first started coming down to jellies back in 2022. When I had outrageously long hair and a passion for kicking a ball rather than dribbling it. You took me in. I had next to no experience when it came to playing basketball but you gave me freedom, and all the tools I could have ever needed.

Through coming to Jellys. I got to meet the og Jellyfish crew. Even though they are all roughly around my age. I still felt like the youngest in the pack, still do now 😂. That crew of boys are now some of the closest people I have around and brothers in my own life.

The Jellyfish club gave me so many things that I myself don't think I can fully comprehend to form into words.

But what I do know. Is that I geinunly loved it. I loved being uncomfortable and not knowing the ins and outs with everything. I loved learning something new each week and putting it into motion. I loved working hard and getting after it. Having a challenging, competitive environment but still uplifting and positive.

In this photo, I somehow won a Steven Adams 2020 jersey kit, at the GI eagles Holiday Camp. which to be honest was never going to fit me and I remember you saying " I'll have them if you don't want them Q". 😂

But, what makes this photo so special to me is because you gave me a lot of a approval and positive reasurement. You always told me to keep going at it, keep working hard. And thats a jersey I will always wear proudly 🤍

This Video here. Fully encapsulates how much I had grown through your teachings.

At the beginning I didn't have any confidence whatsoever to take it myself and go all the way. My parents always gave me crap about it.

I didn't back myself because others had more than I did at the time. Played reps. Hoopnation. Premier division at school. Nationals. International status. It made me limit myself on the court when I played them.

But having you. A Coach. A man. Step in and say what's up with no filter. I guess shook me, and woke me up to back my

428

6

I still can’t believe it my bro @pjae08. lost for words, my heart broke when I heard and my thoughts went immediately to your Whanau @mrsk_king_ ❤️💔 I’m so sorry, we are praying for you and your babies. PJ was a man who believed in everyone. There was no person left behind and no task too much to take on…. He was there for the ones that needed him and he was there for those that doubted him. I watched his energy range from the Morning Koko to training young athletes all across Tamaki. He was heard out east with his ability to show up and deliver while meeting the boys for pick up ball out south then turn around and tautoko his children through the politics of our beloved sport. Something only passionate believers can do on a daily basis. PJ was a mountain on and off the court with a soft touch. He was able to speak directly to an issue while lifting up a community through actions. Not an easy thing to do… especially in Tamaki. Love you my bro… fly high 🕊️

463

4

Dad.

How do I even start? This is the hardest piece I've ever had to, and probably will have to ever write.

Thank you. For not just the small things, but for everything, I breathe life because of you (literally), and I'll continue to do so BECAUSE of you.

I struggled with finding what photo(s) I wanted to use here, not knowing how you would want to be seen. Your youth, when life wasn't so important, your school years where you found your brother's for life, or when you were a young adult and quickly brought to your senses when you had me. However... I've come to realize something, the last couple years, I'd say this year especially, you've been the happiest version of yourself possible. You always told me you were nihilistic, unable to see much reason for life, and only the other week, you finally told me you found your philosophy: Existentialism, the idea that life does NOT have any meaning, so you must find your own purpose. So I chose this photo, it's us from this year, just before my ball, I think it not only shows our relationship (flipping one another off whenever we got the chance, answering each other's calls like we were bros instead of father and son, and being able to go on long ass drives and just chat for hours) but it also shows you at one of the happiest moments of your life, when you finally came to find yourself.

I could come on here and talk about basketball, but sometimes, I feel thats all some make you out to be, a coach, a mentor, and of course, a great man. You were so much more than that, you were my nerd friend who'd watch anime with me, you're my forever gaming partner, who'd sit with Me and play fighting games for hours on end (even on games where you'd never beat me once), and you're my father, the father who taught me more when no one else was looking more so than when the lights were on you, because those were the moments that mattered. All the times we'd sneak out for midnight snacks, eating in the car so Krissy and Videlle wouldn't find out we went out and got a feed without them, THOSE are the times I'll forever remember, because they're the ones where I truly saw YOU.

Of course, I have to show you off a little, so here's a

2k

97

I am lost for words.
Thank you for changing my life and always supporting me. Whether I needed workouts, work, or just someone to hear about situations in my life- you never thought twice.

When I was 17 and thought I was the next Steph Curry, you humbled me and put me back into my place 😂
You carry the kind of values I hope my next generation will have someday.

I’m so glad I got to surprise you this summer and not surprised you're still giving every opportunity to the kids after a decade of knowing you. People like you represent the real New Zealand. You mean more to me than you know.

To Krissy, Videlle and Harlyn, I love you guys and know you got a brother for life.
"This game is about the people."
USO FOREVER♥️🕊️

3

12

It’s rare to find a true community champion who gives back to soo many for little in return. @pjae08 is 100% one of these rare human beings.
I’ve always respected the work he has done, growing the game and fighting for the underdog. We’ve had some great discussions about the game over the years. I valued those. Your legacy will live on in the thousands you impacted. Respect and blessings PJ.

142

0

97

3

283

21

Westlake take the W over St Kents ‼️💥

379

0