Former 76ers assistant coach Sean Rooks dies at 46

PHILADELPHIA -- Former NBA center and Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach Sean Rooks has died. He was 46.

The team released a statement from Deborah Brown, the mother of Rooks, on Tuesday night: "It is with deep sadness and overwhelming grief that we mourn the sudden loss of my son, Sean. Our family asks that our privacy be respected as we grieve during this incredibly difficult time."

Rooks played 12 seasons after being selected in the second round of the NBA draft by Dallas in 1992. He averaged 6.2 points in 749 games with seven teams. Rooks spent the past two years working as an assistant on Brett Brown's staff in Philadelphia.