National Basketball Association

Basketball world mourns death of former center Sean Rooks at age 46

Published Jun. 7, 2016 8:05 p.m. ET

foxsports

Sean Rooks, a former Arizona Wildcats star who played center for 12 seasons in the NBA, died Tuesday at age 46.

Multiple outlets reported the news and the Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns, both of whom Rooks worked for, announced his death. His mother, Deborah Brown, released a statement through the Sixers. No cause has been revealed.

Former NBA center, #Sixers assistant coach Sean Rooks has died at 46. pic.twitter.com/KPttoyLePz
— Comcast SportsNet (@CSNPhilly) June 8, 2016

Yahoo reported that Rooks interviewed for a job on new New York Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek's staff just hours before he died.

The 6-foot-10 Rooks was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in the second round of the 1992 NBA Draft and also played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers, Orlando Magic and New Orleans Hornets. He averaged 6.2 points and 3.8 rebounds in his career.

Rooks went into coaching after his retirement, first as an assistant in the NBADL and then with the Phoenix Suns and Philadelphia 76ers, where he coached the Sixers' young big men the past couple of seasons.

Rooks' son Kameron is a 7-foot center for the Cal Bears.

Sean Rooks: Rest In Heaven My Friend! pic.twitter.com/y9krSHK6Yb
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) June 8, 2016

My heart goes out to the family of Sean Rooks. Today the entire NBA family mourns the loss of a great man... #RIP Big Fella!!
— grant hill (@realgranthill33) June 8, 2016

Stunned by the sudden death of Sean Rooks. We shared some battles, but he was an even better person. #NBABrotherhood pic.twitter.com/91mZpl6ylv
— Adonal Foyle (@afoyle3131) June 8, 2016

Sending our condolences to the family of Sean Rooks, former asst coach for the @SFSkyforce, who passed away today. pic.twitter.com/HXLRnPJD37
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) June 8, 2016

Statements from Greg Byrne and Lute Olson on the passing of Sean Rooks: pic.twitter.com/lcreV8vbm2
— Arizona Athletics (@AZATHLETICS) June 8, 2016

I'm so crushed by the news of Sean Rooks passing!! RIP friend! So so sad!! https://t.co/BJZlSZ47J5
— Alaa Abdelnaby (@alaatweets) June 8, 2016

Saddened about the passing of Sean Rooks. Great guy, played a pivotal mentor role early in my pro career. Condolences to his fam. #RIP
— Derrick Byars (@OfficialDeeBee) June 8, 2016

Sean Rooks is a great Wildcat. He will be missed by many. We send our thoughts & prayers to his family & friends. pic.twitter.com/axrzPCpRLD
— Greg Byrne (@Greg_Byrne) June 8, 2016

Sickened that Sean Rooks has died. Did as much as any Cat to make Arizona Basketball relevant. @APlayersProgram refers to guys like him.
— Tom Duddleston (@TomDudd) June 7, 2016

@MarcJSpearsESPN NO... Big bro #RIP
— Earl J Watson (@Earl_Watson) June 7, 2016

As a big man player-dev assistant, Rooks worked closely with Embiid, Okafor and Noel. Was beloved by the players. https://t.co/oVn9e3TCL2
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) June 7, 2016

Sad to hear about the death of Sean Rooks. A really good guy. I got to know him real well during the times he played for the #Mavs. #RIP
— Dwain Price (@DwainPrice) June 8, 2016