SUMAKABILANG-BUHAY si Boston Celtics great at Hall of Famer Sam Jones sa edad na 88.
Ayon sa kanyang anak na si Aubre, si Jones ay pumanaw noong Huwebes ng gabi.
Aniya, bumagsak ang kalusugan ng kanyang ama at na-admit ito sa isang ospital sa Boca Raton, Florida, noong Christmas night.
Si Jones, isang guard na ginugol ang kanyang buong 12-year NBA career sa Celtics at nagwagi ng 10 titulo sa koponan, ay naluklok sa Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame noong 1984.
“Sam Jones was one of the most talented, versatile, and clutch shooters for the most successful and dominant teams in NBA history,” ayon sa statement ng Celtics.
“His scoring ability was so prolific, and his form so pure, that he earned the simple nickname, ‘The Shooter.’ He was also known as ‘Mr. Clutch.’
“… Only Bill Russell won more championships in his NBA career. The Jones family is in our thoughts as we mourn his loss and fondly remember the life and career of one of the greatest champions in American sports.”
Si Jones ay isa sa NBA’s 75 greatest players.
Bago ang laro ng Celtics kontra Phoenix Suns nitong Biyernes, si Jones ay inalala sa pamamagitan ng sandaling katahimikan.
Iniretiro ng koponan ang sikat na No. 24 jersey ni Jones noong 1969.
“Many people knew my Dad as a Hall-of-Fame player for the Boston Celtics, but my Dad was a Hall-of-Fame person off the court and a great Dad and Great Grandfather,” sabi ni Aubre Jones sa isang email sa CNN.
Binigyang-pugay naman ni NBA Commissioner Adam Silver si Jones sa isang statement.
“An HBCU legend at North Carolina Central University and a member of the NBA’s 25th, 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams, Sam was a beloved teammate and respected competitor who played the game with dignity and class.
“We mourn the passing of a basketball giant and send our deepest condolences to Sam’s family and the Celtics organization.”
