Darryl Dawkins thunderous NBA dunker dead at 58

[seestyle 0]

Darryl Dawkins, the first NBA player ever to be drafted straight out of high school and a flamboyant personality and showman dunker, died at the age of 58, according to .Dawkins averaged 12 points per game on 57.2 percent from the fieldduring his 15-year NBA career after being drafted with the fifth overall pick in the 1975 Gerrit Cole Jersey draft by the 76ers out of Maynard Evans High School in Orlando.MORE: Dawkins family released this statement on his death, via the NBA:It is with great sadne s that we share the pa sing of our beloved husband and Carlos Correa Jersey father, Darryl Dawkins, who succumbed today to a heart attack. Darryl touched the hearts and spirits of so many with his big smile and personality, ferocious dunks, but more than anything, his huge, loving heart. His family, wife Janice, children Dara, Tabitha, Nicholas and Alexis, along with countle s family, friends, and fans, all mourn his lo s. More than anything Darryl accomplished in his basketball career as the inimitable Chocolate Thunder, he was most proud of his role and responsibility as a husband and father. We ask that the public please respect our privacy as we grieve his lo s.The Lehigh County (Pa.) coroner's office but did Jose Cruz Jr. Jersey not reveal the cause of death.Dawkins was nicknamed by Stevie Wonder for his thunderous dunks. He shattered a pair of backboards in 1979, prompting the NBA to adopt breakaway rims. He spent his early career with the 76ers (1975-82) but had his best seasons with the New Jersey Nets (1982-87) before closing his career with the Jazz and Pistons.The 76ers released this statement on his death:The Sixers family is deeply saddened to learn of the pa sing of an absolute legend, Darryl Dawkins. Weve lost a dear friend and an iconic figure, both on and off the court. We remember Marwin Gonzalez Jersey fondly not only his thunderous dunks, but more importantly his powerful presence and personality. Simply put, Darryl Dawkins was beloved by his family, friends, former teammates and his fans all over the globe. His endearing charm, infectious smile and unparalleled sense of humor will be sorely mi sed. Chocolate Thunder will always have a special place in our hearts. His family is in our thoughts and prayers.Dawkins played his final NBA season in 1988-89 with the Detroit Pistons Nolan Ryan Jersey before brief stints with the Harlem Globetrotters and the Sioux Falls Skyforce of the Continental Basketball A sociation. He then went into coaching as the head coach of the ABAs Newark Expre s and spent time on the bench in other minor leagues.He coached the Lehigh Carbon Community College men's basketball team in in Schnecksville, Penn.Dawkins had an active Twitter feed, with .No cause of death was reported by WFMZ-TV or The Morning Call, both serving the Lehigh Valley,Pa.