Armen Gilliam, former NBA player, dies
This file photo shows Milwaukee Bucks basketball player Armen Gilliam, who was part of the UNLV Runnin' Rebels basketball team that made a run to the Final Four in 1987 and played for several NBA teams, died Tuesday, July 5, 2011, at the LA Fitness gym in Bridgeville, Pa., while he was playing basketball. He was 47. Credit: AP (1988)
PITTSBURGH -- Armen Gilliam, who was part of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Runnin' Rebels basketball team that made a run to the Final Four in 1987 and played for several NBA teams, has died. He was 47.
The Allegheny County medical examiner's office said yesterday Gilliam died Tuesday night at the LA Fitness gym in Bridgeville while playing basketball.
The office said the cause of death has not yet been determined pending an autopsy.
After college, the Phoenix Suns drafted Gilliam as the No. 2 overall pick in the first round of the draft. Besides the Suns, Gilliam also played with the then-Charlotte Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, Milwaukee Bucks and Utah Jazz. He retired in 2000.
"We are deeply saddened to learn about the loss of Armen Gilliam," said Rod Thorn, president of the 76ers. "He was a hardworking, physical player during his distinguished 13 years in the NBA, and we are proud of the contributions he made to the Sixers from 1990 to 1993.
"On behalf of the entire Sixers organization, we send our deepest condolences to the Gilliam family during this very difficult time." Nicknamed "The Hammer," Gilliam was the leading scorer on the 1987 UNLV team coached by Jerry Tarkanian.
-- AP
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