He interviewed with the New York Knicks to take an assistant coaching position for the 2016-2017 season, hours later Sean Rooks passed away.
The former NBA center collapsed in a restaurant in Philadelphia late on Tuesday Night, at 46 years old. It was first reported by TMZ that Rooks had suffered a heart attack after going out to eat upon his return from his interview.
Sean Rooks Passes Away at 46
Rooks had been a player-development coach for the Philadelphia 76ers during each of the past two seasons.
On top of a possible assistant coaching offer, Rooks also had a spot as the first-ever head coach of the Greensboro Swarm, Charlotte’s brand-new NBA Development League team.
Rooks played professionally for 12 years before exploring coaching, after a four year career as an Arizona Wildcat (where he was first-team All-PAC 10 in his senior season).
He was drafted as the 30th overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks. He played two years with the Mavs to start off his career before heading to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
After another two year stint there, Rooks went on to play in Atlanta, Los Angeles (with the Lakers), again in Dallas, again in Los Angeles (this time with the Clippers), over to New Orleans, and closed his NBA career off with the Orlando Magic.
Rooks set off to Spain in 2005 before embarking on his coaching career in 2007. He had assistant coaching positions with the Bakersfield Jam, New Mexico Thunderbirds, Sioux Falls Skyforce, and finally the 76’ers.
Rooks’ son, Kameron, was a member of the 2013-14 California Golden Bears basketball recruiting class as well, carrying on the family name.
“It is with deep sadness and overwhelming grief that we mourn the sudden loss of my son, Sean,” his mother, Deborah Brown said in a statement released by the 76ers. “Our family asks that our privacy be respected as we grieve during this incredibly difficult time.”
