Sean Rooks, a former NBA center who had just interviewed for an assistant coaching position with the New York Knicks, died Tuesday at a restaurant in Philadelphia on Tuesday night.
He was 46 years old.
“It is with deep sadness and overwhelming grief that we mourn the sudden loss of my son, Sean,” his mother, Deborah Brown, said in a statement released by the 76ers.
“Our family asks that our privacy be respected as we grieve during this incredibly difficult time.”
Rooks had worked as an assistant coach with that team for two years prior to his passing.
His cause of death remains unknown at this time.
A former star at Arizona University, Rooks averaged 6.2 points and 3.8 rebounds per game over a 12-year career that included stints with the Lakers and Clippers.
He got into coaching in 2007 and had been with the 76ers organization since 2014, prior to his release a few weeks ago.
“Sean will long be remembered not for his accomplishments on the court — of which there were many — but for his vibrant personality, positive outlook and the genuine care he had for everyone in his life,” the 76ers said in a statement.
Upon learning the tragic news, Lute Olson, the former center’s coach at Arizona, told Tucson News Now:
“This is just a horrible shock. Sean was such a wonderful young man with a great disposition. During his time at Arizona, he was always one of the most pleasant individuals to be around.
“His positivity was something I’ll always remember. This is a tough day and a terrible loss for Arizona basketball. We send our condolences to Sean’s family and friends.”
Overall, from 1992 to 2004, Rooks played for seven NBA teams: the Mavericks, Timberwolves, Hawks, Lakers, Clippers, New Orleans Hornets and Magic.
He was drafted by Dallas with the 30th overall pick in 1992 and played 749 career games, scoring 4,676 points.
Rooks is survived by two children, one of whom plays for the University of California, and his mother.
