Basketball Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen's son, Antron Pippen, has died at age 33.
Scottie Pippen announced the news Monday on social media, but did not offer a cause of death.
"I’m heartbroken to share that yesterday, I said goodbye to my firstborn son Antron," Scottie tweeted. "The two of us shared a love for basketball and we had countless conversations about the game. Antron suffered from chronic asthma and if he hadn’t had it, I truly believe he would’ve made it to the NBA. He never let that get him down, though — Antron stayed positive and worked hard, and I am so proud of the man that he became."
Antron was a top college prospect. He drew attention on the court during high school in Georgia then went on to play college basketball at South Georgia Tech and Texas A&M International, reported WZDX. The South Georgia Tech athletic department also announced his death on Twitter.
"The Jets family was saddened to learn of the death of one of our former players, Antron Pippen," the school wrote in a tweet. "His family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers. Antron was a Jet during the 2006-2007 season."
Antron, who was once listed among the 100 prospects at his age level, admitted that he received extra attention due to his father.
"I’m used to the expectations," he told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2006, according to WZDX. "When I was younger, it bothered me. I was trying to prove to people that I could play. I’m very proud of my father. But I can only be myself."
When asked about his game, Antron said his small frame was misleading.
"I get along with others well, and I am a team player," he said, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. "Even though I am considered small, I am not very easily intimidated and can be a very strong mental player."
Scottie Pippen, meanwhile, admitted his son could match his talent.
"He’s a late bloomer, like me," Pippen told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "He’s probably better than I was as a high school player."
Antron was the oldest of Scottie's seven children and was the only child from Scottie's first marriage, to Karen McCollum. In his tweet, Scottie asked that fans pray for his family.
"Please keep his mom, Karen, and all of his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers," he wrote. "A kind heart and beautiful soul gone way too soon. I love you, son, rest easy until we meet again."
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Zoe Papadakis ✉
Zoe Papadakis is a Newsmax writer based in South Africa with two decades of experience specializing in media and entertainment. She has been in the news industry as a reporter, writer and editor for newspapers, magazine and websites.
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