The basketball community is in mourning after the unexpected death of Stacey King, a towering presence whose career spanned collegiate stardom, three NBA championships and a celebrated second act as a Chicago broadcaster. Tributes have poured in from former teammates, coaches and fans who remember his impact on and off the court.
A College Career That Defined an Era
King emerged under coach Billy Tubbs at the University of Oklahoma, guiding the Sooners to the 1987‑88 national championship game and earning Big 8 Player of the Year honors. His relentless play earned him All‑American recognition in 1988‑89, and his No. 33 jersey was later retired in a ceremony at the Lloyd Noble Center.
NBA Glory and a Broadcast Legacy
Selected sixth overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 1989 draft, King became a cornerstone of the franchise’s first three‑peat, sharing the court with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. After retiring from play, he transitioned to television, where his warm commentary and deep knowledge made him a fixture of Bulls broadcasts, endearing him to a new generation of fans.
The loss resonates far beyond the hardwood, touching everyone from Oklahoma to Chicago and across the broader basketball landscape. Messages of condolence have highlighted King’s role as a mentor, his contributions to the game’s culture and his lasting influence on future stars such as Derek Rose, Trae Young and Sam Presti.