Former center Rooks passes away

He played for the Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves, the Atlanta Hawks, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Los Angeles Clippers, the New Orleans Hornets and the Orlando Magic. He had worked as an assistant coach for the 76ers the past two seasons.

Sean Rooks played at the University of Arizona from 1988-92 and was taken in the second round of the 1992 NBA draft by the Dallas Mavericks.

Former NBA center Sean Rooks died suddenly on Tuesday at the age of 46, his family said.

"It is with deep sadness and overwhelming grief that we mourn the sudden loss of my son, Sean," said Deborah Brown, Rook's mother, in a statement released by the Philadelphia 76ers.

"Our family asks that our privacy be respected as we grieve during this incredibly difficult time."

The cause of Rooks's death was not immediately known.

Rooks played at the University of Arizona from 1988-92 and was taken in the second round of the 1992 NBA draft by the Dallas Mavericks.

He played for the Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves, the Atlanta Hawks, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Los Angeles Clippers, the New Orleans Hornets and the Orlando Magic in an NBA career that lasted through 2004.

He had worked as an assistant coach for the 76ers the past two seasons.