Former Lakers big man Sean Rooks passed away suddenly and the news rocked the pro and college basketball world
When former Los Angeles Lakers center and current Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach Sean Rooks left New York after interviewing for an assistant coaching job, he went to a restaurant in Philadelphia. There he collapsed and died suddenly at the age of 46, suffering an unexpected heart attack.
Rooks left behind a wife and two children—his son, a seven-foot center Kameron Rooks, plays center for the Cal Bears—in addition to heartbroken friends and family around the Lakers, the NBA, and his alma mater at the University of Arizona.
Rooks spent his college career with the Wildcats, playing alongside former players current sportscasters Sean Elliott, Damon Stoudamire, Matt Muehlebach, and current music producer Harvey Mason. His college teammates were shocked and saddened:
RIP to a great teammate and lifelong friend Sean Rooks. We will all miss u Wookie!
— Harvey Mason jr. (@HarveyMasonjr) June 8, 2016
Totally heartbroken about Sean Rooks' passing. Wookie had a heart of gold! Prayers to his beautiful mom, kids and family.
— matt muehlebach (@mattmuehlebach) June 8, 2016
Man I'm hurting rt now. My friend Sean Rooks passed away. I can't believe it. He watched out for me. Great person and father. Gone too soon
— Miles Simon (@milessimon) June 8, 2016
I can't believe Sean gone! Tons of fun and really took care of me my freshman yr! I'm forever grateful for what u taught me! #RIP 🐻⬇️
— Damon Stoudamire (@Iambiggie503) June 8, 2016
Rooks, nicknamed ‘Wookie’ by his Arizona teammates, played 12 years in the NBA for seven teams including the Lakers. He played center off the bench for the Lakers for three seasons between 1996-99. In 1996, he played with teammates Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, Robert Horry, and Derek Fisher under head coach Del Harris.
The Lakers made the playoffs all three years Rooks was a member of the team. The 1996-97 Lakers team lost in the Western Conference semifinals to the Utah Jazz. They lost again in 1998 to the same team in the Western Conference Finals. The Lakers made it to the playoffs again in 1999, but fell to the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Semi-Finals.
Rooks passing was felts by his Lakers brethren as well:
Sean Rooks: Rest In Heaven My Friend! pic.twitter.com/y9krSHK6Yb
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) June 8, 2016
Here’s the Lakers’ statement on the passing of Sean Rooks: pic.twitter.com/frLAWda2F6
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) June 8, 2016
.@JeanieBuss: “We are shocked and terribly saddened by the news of the death of Sean Rooks.”https://t.co/OuhgYkmqYn
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) June 8, 2016
Sean Rooks coached for the Phoenix Suns and several D-League teams. He had just completed two years as Assistant for Player Development for the Philadelphia 76ers, and his contract was not to be renewed.
Rooks was said to be enthusiastic about this possible new venture traveling on the train from New York back to Philly after having an interview with the Knicks new head coach Jeff Hornacek, general manager Steve Mills, and former Lakers coach Phil Jackson.
The Sixers put out their own statement:
The following is a statement from co-Managing Owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer on the passing of Sean Rooks: pic.twitter.com/VvQjghHbKG
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) June 8, 2016
As did his most recent protegé fellow Arizona Wildcat rookie T.J. McConnell:
"You're the best wildcat" #RIP
— TJ McConnell (@TJMcConnell) June 7, 2016
Even Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban chimed in. Rooks connections in the NBA were far and deep:
RIP Sean Rooks. You made plane rides my first year fun. Can't believe we talked just a few weeks ago. You will be missed Wookie
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) June 8, 2016
The NBA teams, players, coaches, fans and the media are continuing to pour their emotions out on social media.
must read: Lakers: Phil Claims Shaq Once Came to Practice With Just His Shoes On
Rest in peace Sean Rooks, you will be sorely missed by many, may your memory live on in the hearts and souls of those you have touched. .