Hours after interviewing for an assistant coaching job with the New York Knicks on Tuesday, former NBA center Sean Rooks collapsed and died in a Philadelphia restaurant. Rooks, considered a warm and engaging gentleman within the basketball community, had been a player-development coach for the past two years with the Philadelphia 76ers.
More on Sean Rooks Death
Chris Mannix: The Sixers confirm the passing of former assistant coach Sean Rooks. No cause of death given. Rooks, a 12-year NBA veteran, was 46.
Janis Carr: Ex Clipper and Laker Sean Rooks suffered an apparent fatal heart attack.
Rooks, 46, had traveled to New York and back again on the train Tuesday, meeting with Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek, general manager Steve Mills and president Phil Jackson about becoming an assistant coach. Rooks and Knicks officials had departed the meeting enthusiastic that Rooks might join Hornacek’s staff and that an agreement could be reached soon, league sources said.
Philadelphia was not expected to renew Rooks' contract, according to a source.
Marc J. Spears: Sean Rooks was a gentle giant who always greeted me with warmth. He was on the verge of being hired as Hornets' D-League coach, sources said.
Rick Bonnell: As @Marc J. Spears reports, Sean Rooks, who died today, was in the running to be the Hornets' development league coach.
Nik Stauskas: My thoughts and prayers go out to the Rooks family. Gonna miss you bro #RIP
Solomon Hill: RIP Coach Rooks! prayers to the Rooks family! #wildcatfamily https://t.co/AMCb57Y4EP
Marc J. Spears: It saddens to report Sixers assistant coach & ex-NBA center Sean Rooks, 46, passed away in Philadelphia today, sources told @TheUndefeated.
Bob Cooney: Hearing word of death of Sixers assistant Sean Rooks. Great guy. Could talk hoops with him all day. Keep family in your prayers, please.
