Microfinance Monitor NEWS WITH GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
Anthony Mason, 48, NBA player who pushed the New York Knicks reach the 1994 NBA Finals, died early this morning after suffering heart attack early this month and diagnosed with congestive heart failure.
Mason suffered a massive heart attack in early February 2015 and was diagnosed with congestive heart failure.
“Overnight, New York City and the world lost a legend, a friend, a brother … but more than anything our father, Anthony Mason. As you all would expect our father — Big Mase — put up an incredible fight, dealing with a severe heart issue. I’m wishing this was something else I was writing, but Pops we’ve got to let you know we love you and know you’ll always be with us,” said his son with the same name.
Anthony Mason played in 13 seasons in the NBA and was instrumental in 1993-94 fame that came to Knicks team after reaching the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Houston Rockets in seven games. His second son Antoine, who plays at Auburn, had revealed earlier this month that his father was “getting better” after heart surgeries.
Mason played for six teams including a 5-year tenure with the Knicks and the 6-foot-7″ forward was known for his hair-cut with messages.
Mason began playing in his high school at Springfield Gardens in Queens and in college at Tennessee State University, before joining the 1988 NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers.
Later, he played in Turkey and Venezuela before joining the then-New Jersey Nets and Denver Nuggets for short tenures. He played in the USBL and CBA too.
Mason later joined the Knicks in 1991 to play for their summer team and remained with it for five years. He won the NBA’s Sixth Man award in 1995 with a Knicks team that was eliminated in the second round of the playoffs in one of its classic clashes with the Indiana Pacers.
Mason played for New York from 1991-1996, and then for the Charlotte Hornets until 2000 and made his only All-Star team in 2001 as a member of the Miami Heat.
Here are some Twitter messages condoling the death of the NBL star:
Terrible news RT @IanBegley: Former Knick fan favorite Anthony Mason dies at 48 — http://t.co/KMdAwyQEiS
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) February 28, 2015
Terrible news RT @IanBegley: Former Knick fan favorite Anthony Mason dies at 48 — http://t.co/KMdAwyQEiS — Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) February 28, 2015
The NBA is mourning the loss of former Charlotte Hornet Anthony Mason today. http://t.co/D4xH12dNgt pic.twitter.com/Fw5IAAfEOR
— NBC Charlotte (@wcnc) February 28, 2015
RIP to a Legend and a friend. You will be missed Anthony Mason, but NEVER forgotten. pic.twitter.com/JkP7Fh8RYD — Dark Gable (@bigdaddykane) February 28, 2015
Anthony Mason will be remembered for his toughness… and his hair. He dished about his best dos http://t.co/k6sWkfTDgs pic.twitter.com/TBdJLC4bZ5
— SI NBA (@si_nba) February 28, 2015
Our condolences to Anthony Mason’s family, friends. Former @nyknicks forward died today at 48: http://t.co/0Mpt0INWsa pic.twitter.com/lSelpxZEGm — BET (@BET) February 28, 2015
Anthony Mason 1966-2015 pic.twitter.com/1iOYZ1ZOtl
— NY_KnicksPR (@NY_KnicksPR) February 28, 2015
Anthony Mason passed away this morning. He led the NBA in minutes per game in back-to back seasons from 1995-97. pic.twitter.com/Im9sTPDnyB — ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) February 28, 2015
Anthony Mason, in 1996, getting “Point God” shaved into his head (H/T @SI_Vault) #RIPMase pic.twitter.com/UVEQahiRKY
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) February 28, 2015
“I ask at this time that you respect our family’s privacy with regard to questions as our family takes the time to mourn.”Anthony Mason Jr. — Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) February 28, 2015
So terribly sad about Anthony Mason. Epitomized the #Knicks teams he played on. Tough as they come. And much too young. #RIP
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) February 28, 2015
Anthony Mason’s one year in #Miami showed us all why he was the kind of person you loved to have on your side, on and off the court #RIPMase
— SunSportsHEAT (@SunSportsHEAT) February 28, 2015
Wow. RIP Anthony Mason. Only 48 years old. Too soon.
— KnicksTape (@KnicksTape) February 28, 2015
Been such a heavy heart lately in the NBA family, especially now with the passing of Anthony Mason. Thoughts and prayers to the family..
— Reggie Miller (@ReggieMillerTNT) February 28, 2015
Got damn heavy heart this morning R.I.P. my guy Anthony Mason love you ! pic.twitter.com/bqvXKTJuFk
— Kenny Anderson (@chibbs_1) February 28, 2015
It’s a sad day to hear the passing of Anthony Mason. #Knicks fans please pray for his family. It’s hard losing a loved one
— Walt Clyde Frazier (@WaltFrazier) February 28, 2015
Will be tough day for KU assistant coach, Norm Roberts, who lost his high school teammate, Anthony Mason, today. #RIPAnthony
— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) February 28, 2015
