Former Arizona star, Suns development coach Sean Rooks dies at 46
Jun 7, 2016, 5:47 PM | Updated: 10:00 pm
Chicago Bulls' Marcus Fizer, right, is knocked off balance by Los Angeles Clippers' Sean Rooks in the second quarter but fails to draw an offensive foul Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2003, at Staples Center in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ric Francis)
(AP Photo/Ric Francis)
Former Arizona big man Sean Rooks has died at the age of 46.
Sixers statement on behalf of Sean Rooks' mother: "It is with deep sadness and overwhelming grief that we mourn the sudden loss of my son."
— Jessica Camerato (@JCameratoCSN) June 8, 2016
Rooks was a member of the Philadelphia 76ers’ coaching staff the last two seasons and reportedly was set to be offered a head coaching job with the Hornets’ D-League team. He had also just interviewed with the New York Knicks for an assistant position on new head coach Jeff Hornacek’s staff, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical.
The 6-foot-10 center, whose professional career included seven teams and spanned from 1992-2004, played his college basketball at Arizona under coach Lute Olson from 1988-92.
“This is just a horrible shock,” Olson said in a statement. “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.”
After college, the Dallas Mavericks selected Rooks 30th overall in the 1992 draft. He played for the Mavericks in two stints, as well as the Timberwolves, Hawks, Lakers, Clippers, Hornets and Magic.
“The passing of Sean Rooks marks another sad day for Arizona Athletics,” UA athletic director Greg Byrne said in a statement. “Sean is one of the great Wildcats, both as a player and person, and he will be missed by many. We want to send our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.”
Before joining the Sixers, Rooks was an assistant on the D-League’s Sioux Fall Sky Force, a job he took after he served as a player development coach for the Suns during part of the 2012-13 season.
He was beyond a big brother to every young basketball player he encountered. Forever blessed for his presence! Rest in Peace Sean Rooks…
— Earl J Watson (@Earl_Watson) 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
Very saddened to hear of the passing of former Wildcat Sean Rooks. He and his family are in our thoughts. #RIP pic.twitter.com/PjQwlJcpZD
— Arizona Basketball (@APlayersProgram) June 8, 2016
Damn man. RIP Sean Rooks. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 Sad crazy news! Condolences to his family.
— Quentin Richardson (@QRich) June 7, 2016
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Rooks family. Gonna miss you bro 😔 #RIP https://t.co/5K3iimIsoJ
— Nik Stauskas (@NStauskas11) June 8, 2016
