By Fago Franklin
Retired NBA star Anthony Mason has died at the age of 48, prior to his death he had learned that he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure in February.
Mason’s family released a statement Saturday; “We would like to thank everyone for their heartfelt thoughts and strong prayers.” “Anthony felt each and every one. He fought like a warrior to the very end. Please keep your prayers and thoughts with us through this very hard time. It is a great loss for us and our asking for our privacy during this time.”(ESPN)
During Mason’s career in the NBA, he was known as a passionate firecracker and a player that was unique in his talents. He was a spark for the six teams that he had played for. He played with a ferocious manner and wanted to win every game.
“Anthony Mason exemplified perseverance for all players fighting for their chance in the NBA,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said. “NBA fans and players around the league admired his tenacity on defense and playmaking on offense. (ESPN)
“My heart is heavy after learning that we lost Anthony Mason, “Patrick Ewing said in a statement. “We were teammates on the Knicks for five great seasons. Mase came to play every night and was always ready to go to battle with me every time we stepped on the court together.
“I will remember him for his strength, determination and perseverance. My thoughts are with his family. May he rest in peace.” (ESPN)
Players and coaches around the league has been mourning this great player; “As a competitor, there was none fiercer than Anthony Mason,” Phil Jackson said. “Standing on the opposite end of the playing field, coaching in those great Chicago/New York battles, No. 14 in Orange and Blue always stood out. On behalf of the entire Knickerbocker community our condolences go out to his family.”
“Anthony willed himself into the NBA, and very few players can do that. Any NBA team could’ve had him for a nickel, and he turned out to be the perfect Pat Riley player. I think Pat saw a lot of himself in Anthony, and really they were the same guy. That’s why they butted heads as often as they did. They were both blue-collar guys and fighters. Anthony told me, ‘Pat Riley was the one who gave me my chance. He’s the one who saw something in me when nobody else did said Don Cronson.” (ESPN)
Mason was a unique force that nobody could stop and he proved it day in and day out on the court. May he rest in Peace!