TITLE: Former NBA Sixth Man winner Rodney Rogers, a Wake Forest legend, dies at 54
SLUG: rodney-rogers-dies-at-54
CONTENT:
Rodney Rogers, a former NBA forward and one of Wake Forest University’s most celebrated players, died Friday at age 54, the school confirmed.
Born in Durham, North Carolina, Rogers played for the Demon Deacons from 1990 to 1993. He earned ACC Freshman of the Year honors, was twice named first-team All-ACC and closed his collegiate career as the conference’s Player of the Year. Over three seasons he averaged 19.3 points and 7.9 rebounds, becoming the only player in Wake Forest history — and one of just seven in ACC history — to capture both Freshman and Player of the Year awards.
The 6-foot-7 forward entered the NBA draft after his junior season and was selected ninth overall in 1993. During a 12-year professional career, he appeared in 866 regular-season games with seven teams: the Nuggets, Clippers, Suns, Celtics, 76ers and Hornets. He posted career averages of 10.9 points and 4.5 rebounds. His peak came with Phoenix in 1999-2000, when he averaged 13.8 points and 5.5 rebounds while shooting 43 percent from three-point range, earning the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award.
Rogers’ life changed in 2008 when an accident left him paralyzed from the shoulders down. His wife, Faye, said he died of natural causes related to the spinal cord injury sustained 17 years ago.
The NBA released a statement expressing deep sorrow over his passing and praised Rogers for the resilience, courage and generosity he demonstrated throughout his life.
Source: Hoops Wire
