McPaul, a former coach, player and administrator with Basketball Wagga, died fighting the bushfires and his funeral was held at his native Holbrook on Friday.

About 50 juniors attended Maloney's clinic at Bolton Park Stadium, which raised around $2000 to help McPaul's widow, Megan, get back on her feet with the couple's baby due in May.

"I've got a few coaches down here (from Holbrook) who had a fair bit to do with Sam, it's been a pretty emotional time for a few people," Maloney said.

"I didn't put a target on what we wanted to raise, I was happy with anything.

"It was a massive shock seeing it all over the national news and it didn't hit home for a while.

"He was always a person to put his hand up. At the funeral they spoke about him giving the shirt off his back and if he wasn't fighting those fires, he'd be fighting other fires elsewhere.

"It's a testament to him as a person, he's an inspiration and he'll be remembered as a hero."

Maloney, who will train with Wodonga this week as he weighs up his future, said it's vital the Heat are revived and is confident they will be.

The Heat have opted not to field a team in the Waratah League division one men this year due to a referee shortage and lack of committed players.

"I can see people getting around it and getting it up and running. I'd be very surprised if a Heat team isn't up and running before too long," he said.

"We have a really good junior program, our boys are really strong coming through. It's a big shame seeing juniors coming through the ranks and take off somewhere else.

"We just need to be on the same page and make Wagga basketball better, and that can definitely happen."

Maloney will also hold another clinic at Tumut Basketball Stadium on Saturday, February 15 at a cost of $30 per player, with money raised donated to local families affected by the bushfire crisis.

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