Arizona mourns death of former center Sean Rooks
Former Arizona big man Sean Rooks died Tuesday at the age of 46, leaving the Wildcats' family in mourning.
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
Rooks was a member of the Wildcats from 1988-92 before being drafted 30th overall in the second round of the 1992 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks. Rooks went on to play 12 seasons in the NBA for the Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, New Orleans Hornets, and Orlando Magic.
While at Arizona, the 6-foot-10, 250-pound big man appeared in 129 games, while averaging 11.6 points to go along with five rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game, while shooting .558 percent from the field.
Rooks' head coach during his time with the Wildcats, Lute Olson, called Rooks' death a "terrible loss for Arizona basketball."
"This is just a horrible shock," Olson told the Associated Press. "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."
In Rooks' four years at Arizona, the team played to a record of 106-25 under Olson's leadership. Rooks helped lead the Wildcats to two NCAA Regional Semifinals in that time.
Official cause of death has yet to be released.