The basketball world mourns the loss of Stacey King, the former University of Oklahoma standout who has died at the age of 59. Tributes have poured in from teammates, coaches and fans who remember his powerful presence on the court and his warm voice behind the microphone.
King’s collegiate career at Oklahoma from 1985 to 1989 was marked by consistent production, averaging 18 points and seven rebounds per game, and leading the Sooners to the 1988 national title game. His achievements earned him a first‑team All‑American nod and the Big Eight Player of the Year award, and the university retired his No. 33 jersey in 2008.
A Champion on the Court
Selected sixth overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 1989 draft, King spent five seasons with the franchise, appearing in all 82 games during his rookie campaign and contributing 8.9 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. He was a key member of three championship teams in 1991, 1992 and 1993, sharing the court with Michael Jordan.
After hanging up his sneakers, King transitioned to the broadcast booth, where he spent 19 years providing commentary for Bulls games, becoming a familiar voice for fans across the region.
Honors and Tributes
Both Oklahoma and the Bulls have announced plans to honor King throughout the upcoming seasons, ensuring that his impact on the sport is remembered by new generations of players and supporters. The tributes reflect a broader acknowledgment of King’s dual legacy as a player and a broadcaster, cementing his place in the narrative of 1990s basketball.