NBL legend fighting toughest battle yet

Darryl “D-Mac” McDonald fought countless battles across 15 seasons in the Hungry Jack’s NBL. Now the League legend is facing his toughest yet.

The 486-game veteran and four-time champion has been diagnosed with throat cancer.

According to CODE Sports, McDonald found a lump in his neck in August and went to see his doctor. A CAT scan confirmed the cancer, and the 62-year-old has since undergone radiation treatment every day for seven weeks, leaving him feeling “nauseous” and “tired.”

“I’m nearly done, just six days of treatment left,” McDonald told CODE Sports.

“I initially didn’t want anyone to know. I wanted to fly under the radar and just get through it, but eventually it was going to get out. A few people have reached out to message me, which is nice and puts life into perspective.”

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The three-time All-NBL First Team member is expected to make a full recovery, but he concedes he should have acted sooner.

“I waited too long. I should have gone straight to the doctor,” he said.

“I felt the lump, but I was also having chest problems at the time, shortness of breath and tightness, so I was going to the hospital for that. That would be [my message to people]: don’t wait until it is too late.”

McDonald was most recently part of the Brisbane Bullets coaching staff in NBL26.

Read the full story here >> NBL legend Darryl “D-Mac” McDonald reveals cancer battle in a bid to help others