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The NBA and basketball community was rocked Tuesday evening by the news that former center and assistant coach Sean Rooks has died. Rooks, who played for several squads before starting his coaching career, was 46 years old.

ESPN’s The Undefeated broke the news of Rooks’ death via sources, and details were revealed by way of a report from PhillyVoice.com. Rooks was at a local Philadelphia restaurant just after leaving New York to interview for an assistant coach position with Jeff Hornacek’s Knicks staff. According to still developing reports, Rooks died of a heart attack.

In a statement given to PhillyVoice.com, Rooks’ mother confirmed the reports and asked the media to respect the family as they mourn the loss of their loved one.

“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,” read the statement, which was printed in PhillyVoice.com.

Rooks, who was born in New York, played four years at the University of Arizona and was named All-Pac First Team in 1992, his final season there. He was drafted in the second round by the Dallas Mavericks and bounced around the league before retiring in 2004. Among the teams he’s played for, Rooks spent the most time with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers.

As a coach, Rooks got his start in the NBA’s developmental league before landing with the 76ers in 2014 as a player development coach.

Our condolences to the family of Sean Rooks.

CBS Philadelphia’s report on Rooks’ passing can be viewed below.

Photo: screen cap