PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Former NBA player, and 76ers assistant coach, Sean Rooks passed away at the age of 46. The team announced the news on Tuesday along with a statement from Rooks' mother.

The statement from Rooks' mother read:

"It is with deep sadness and overwhelming grief that we mourn the sudden loss of my son, Sean. Our family asks that our privacy be respected as we grieve during this incredibly difficult time."

Rooks had served as an assistant for Sixers coach Brett Brown since 2014. Before that, he had several coaching stints in the NBDL. Brown released a statement on Wednesday:

"I learned of this tragic news in the early morning hours last night. Sean Rooks was a wonderful person with a kind soul who deserved to live longer than he did. Sean was with me for two years and helped our young players and coaching staff by sharing his experiences in such an endearing way.

"It was exciting for me to sit with him recently and see the enthusiasm he had while preparing to interview for the Head Coach position with an NBA D-League team. We would role-play, ask each other different questions, and when he left I felt like he had a real chance to make a significant advancement in his own coaching career.

"When he was offered the position just a few days later, we spoke of the challenges, growth and responsibility that would help him personally move his career forward as a head coach. He was genuinely excited by this offer, as well as other job opportunities that were coming his way.

"He meant so much to so many people. We are all deeply saddened by his loss and extend our condolences to his family during this time. He will be missed." 

In a 12-year NBA career, the 6'10" Rooks played center for seven different NBA teams (Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, New Orleans Hornets, Orlando Magic).

Present and former members of the 76ers expressed their sadness at the news of Rooks' passing.

Rooks played his college ball at the University of Arizona. Lute Olson, who coached Rooks, and Greg Byrne, the school's Athletic Director, released statements on his passing.