NBA Vet Armen Gilliam Dies Playing the Sport He Loved


Armen Gilliam, the 13 year NBA veteran and pivotal part of the 1987 UNLV Runnin’ Rebels basketball team that amassed a spectacular 37-2 record and trip to the Final Four, has died. He was 47.

The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office said that Gilliam, a 6-foot-9 forward whose nickname was “The Hammer,” died from a heart attack suffered while playing pickup basketball at a LA Fitness gym not far from his home in Pittsburgh.

Gilliam’s death came as an absolute shock to his former UNLV teammates and coaches, especially since he was seldom hurt throughout his entire career and he kept himself in excellent shape afterward by playing basketball and tennis almost daily.

In a statement released by UNLV, Jerry Tarkanian, Armen’s coach of 4 years while he was a Runnin’ Rebel, called Gilliam one of the best players in the school’s history.

“In my ratings, I had Larry Johnson No. 1 and Armen No. 2. He was such a great person. Everybody loved him and he loved everybody,” Tarkanian said. “He was such a gentle person and such a caring guy. I am all shook up over it. I think the world of him and am just really shocked.”

In memory of “The Hammer,” watch the following clip of his number 2 selection in the 1987 NBA draft.

via ESPN

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