Former Iowa State, NBA player Jackson Vroman dies at 34
Former Iowa State and NBA player Jackson Vroman has died at the age of 34, his agent confirmed to the Ames Tribune Monday night. The cause of death is currently unknown.
Following two standout years with the Cyclones, Vroman was drafted in the second round of the 2004 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls. However, he was traded to the Phoenix Suns on draft night for the rights to Luol Deng.
The 6-foot-10 forward/center only played 87 games with the Suns and then-New Orleans Hornets before going overseas to play in Spain, Iran, the Philippines, and China. The Utah native received Lebanese citizenship in 2009 and subsequently played for Lebanon's national team.
Vroman was known as one of the game's characters, previously writing a blog for HoopsHype. One entry was an interesting piece about his playing days in Iran, where he discussed the underground market for alcohol in a nation where the product is completely illegal.
Vroman's father, Brett, also played in the NBA for one season in 1980-81.