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Former Lakers Center Sean Rooks Dead at 46, Friends Remember Him

By Shereen Rayan

Mar 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach Sean Rooks during warms ups before the game against the Brooklyn Nets at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach Sean Rooks during warms ups before the game against the Brooklyn Nets at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /
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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:

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 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:

As did his most recent protegé fellow Arizona Wildcat rookie T.J. McConnell:

Even Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban chimed in. Rooks connections in the NBA were far and deep:

The NBA teams, players, coaches, fans and the media are continuing to pour their emotions out on social media.

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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. .

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