June 07, 2016
As the Sixers player development coach over the past two seasons, 12-year NBA center Sean Rooks could be seen on the floor a couple of hours before every game, putting the big guys through their individual pregame workouts.
Tragically, Rooks has left coaching far too soon. Tuesday night, the Sixers confirmed multiple reports that he passed away at the age of 46. Deborah Brown, Rooks' mother, released a statement:
"It is with deep sadness and overwhelming grief that we mourn the sudden loss of my son, Sean. Our family asks that our privacy be respected as we grieve during this incredibly difficult time."
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Sean Rooks. Our thoughts are with the entire Rooks family.
— Philadelphia 76ers (@Sixers) June 8, 2016
According to The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski, Rooks collapsed in a Philadelphia restaurant on Tuesday after interviewing for a position with the New York Knicks earlier in the day:
Rooks, 46, had traveled to New York and back again on the train Tuesday, meeting with Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek, general manager Steve Mills and president Phil Jackson about becoming an assistant coach. Rooks and Knicks officials had departed the meeting enthusiastic that Rooks might join Hornacek’s staff and that an agreement could be reached soon, league sources said.
Rooks had gone to dinner in Philadelphia after returning from his trip to New York. He had been preparing to leave Wednesday for an NBA-sponsored trip to China.
From 1992 until 2004, Rooks played for Dallas, Minnesota, Atlanta, both Los Angeles teams, New Orleans, and Orlando. In 749 career NBA games, the Arizona product averaged 6.2 points and 3.8 rebounds in 18.1 minutes per game.
On Thursday, Sixers coach Brett Brown offered a statement on Rooks:
"I learned of this tragic news in the early morning hours last night. Sean Rooks was a wonderful person with a kind soul who deserved to live longer than he did. Sean was with me for two years and helped our young players and coaching staff by sharing his experiences in such an endearing way.
"It was exciting for me to sit with him recently and see the enthusiasm he had while preparing to interview for the Head Coach position with an NBA D-League team. We would role-play, ask each other different questions, and when he left I felt like he had a real chance to make a significant advancement in his own coaching career.
"When he was offered the position just a few days later, we spoke of the challenges, growth and responsibility that would help him personally move his career forward as a head coach. He was genuinely excited by this offer, as well as other job opportunities that were coming his way.
"He meant so much to so many people. We are all deeply saddened by his loss and extend our condolences to his family during this time. He will be missed."
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
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
Sean Rooks always had my back, an inspiration, & dear friend to my husband as well. We just saw him-taking this hard. Praying for his family
— Molly (@MSullivanFrench) June 7, 2016
RIP Sean Rooks, such a tragedy! The world is an emptier, less joyful place without that great person in it today.
— Lance 'Doc' Pearson (@CoachLanceP) June 7, 2016
Follow Rich on Twitter: @rich_hofmann
