As rookies came into the league, Rooks took them under his wing, offered them guidance, encouragement and direction to navigate this new world of pro basketball. Keyon Dooling was one of those rookies in 2000. He was one of four first-year players on the Los Angeles Clippers, while Rooks was the second-most experienced. Rooks stepped up as a shoulder to lean on. “He was like the big uncle,” Dooling told CSNPhilly.com. “We had a difference of age, but he really showed us the way.”
More on Sean Rooks Death
Charlotte Hornets General Manager Rich Cho released the following statement regarding the passing of former NBA player and coach Sean Rooks. “The Charlotte Hornets were deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Sean Rooks last night. Sean not only had a solid NBA playing career, but also had been working tirelessly on honing his craft as a coach. Recently, we entered into negotiations with Sean to be the head coach of our D-League team, the Greensboro Swarm. When talking with Sean, you immediately understood why he was so beloved by teammates, coaches and those that worked with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sean's family and friends during this time.”
Former NBA center and Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach Sean Rooks' death may have been due to heart disease, a spokesperson for the Philadelphia Public Health Department told USA TODAY Sports on Wednesday. Rooks, 46, collapsed at a Philadelphia restaurant on Tuesday, according to multiple published reports. His death was announced by the 76ers later in the day.
Ian Begley: Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek released a statement on the death of Sean Rooks, whom the Knicks interviewed for a position on the coaching staff. "We are saddened and shocked by the passing of Sean Rooks, especially since we had just met with him yesterday about the possibilities of joining our coaching staff," Hornacek said in a statement. "His ability to work with big players and his passion for coaching were undeniable."
Marc J. Spears: Sixers coach Brett Brown statement on the passing of Sean Rooks. The following is a statement from Philadelphia 76ers Head Coach Brett Brown, who is currently in Istanbul, Turkey, regarding the untimely passing of Sean Rooks: "I learned of this tragic news in the early morning hours last night. Sean Rooks was a wonderful person with a kind soul who deserved to live longer than he did. Sean was with me for two years and helped our young players and coaching staff by sharing his experiences in such an endearing way.
Brett Brown on Sean Rooks: "It was exciting for me to sit with him recently and see the enthusiasm he had while preparing to interview for the Head Coach position with an NBA D-League team. We would role-play, ask each other different questions, and when he left I felt like he had a real chance to make a significant advancement in his own coaching career.
Ish Smith was taking a nap after a training session when he woke up to find his phone illuminating with calls and text messages. He tried to digest the news he was receiving, yet it seemed unreal. Sixers player development coach Sean Rooks had died at only 46 years old (see story). "From the basketball standpoint, everybody knew how great he was,” Smith told CSNPhilly.com Tuesday evening. “But as a person, Coach Rooks was unbelievable. He was special."
Rooks also let it be known to the young Sixers squad that he still had game. More than 12 years since his last NBA game, he often had shooting competitions with other members of the coaching staff and showcased his skills. “When I heard about it, it was shocking because he used to always get out there and play and shoot with us,” Smith said. “He’d always say, ‘This is what a real shooting four is.’ And he could stroke it."
David West: Sad to hear of the passing of Sean Rooks!!! Truly a great dude, always a kind word!!!Peace to his family and all who new him!!
Mark Cuban: RIP Sean Rooks. You made plane rides my first year fun. Can't believe we talked just a few weeks ago. You will be missed Wookie.
Jamal Crawford: Rip Sean Rooks.. What is going on?? Please cherish every day!
Michael Carter-Williams: I feel like I've been sayin this too much lately. I am really hurt by this one. RiP to coach rooks. I'm glad we were able to bond. Miss you.
Tony Wroten: Man RIP coach Sean Rooks. I Can't believe it. A great coach and an even better person off the court. Prayers go out to him and his family.
Marcus Morris: Prayers up to Sean Rooks and his family. Heard nothing but great things about him. R.i.p
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.
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.
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.
