NEW YORK, New York -- Anthony Mason, a muscular, bellicose forward whose bruising play helped the Knicks reach the National Basketball Association finals in 1994, has died in Manhattan, the Knicks said Saturday. He was 48.
Mason’s death was reported on the Knicks website. He had been treated for heart disease, but the cause of death was not reported.
Mason, who played for six teams in 13 N.B.A. seasons, was an unlikely success story. His college team, Tennessee State, was never a power, and he spent three years on the fringes of the professional game, playing mostly abroad and in American leagues of lesser quality before he became a regular player with the Knicks in 1991 under their new coach, Pat Riley.
Athletic and chiseled at 6 feet 7 inches (he was sometimes listed as 6-8) and 250 pounds or more, he had bowling-ball shoulders, surprising quickness, especially around the basket, and a deft touch with a pass or a dribble in the open court. He also had a fearsome court persona; he gave hard fouls, glared at opponents, badgered referees and never shied away from a scuffle, in or away from the arena.
SLIDE SHOW
CONTINUE READING
No comments:
Post a Comment