Former NBA player and executive Lance Blanks dead at 56

DALLAS, Texas – Lance Blanks, a cherished former skilled basketball player and executive, who had labored as an ESPN analyst, gave up the ghost on Wednesday, May 3, in Dallas, Texas. He was once 56 years previous.

Lance had devoted his whole lifestyles to the game of basketball. He to start with performed in faculty at the University of Virginia sooner than moving to the University of Texas, the place he was once a part of the extremely a hit Texas guard trio known as “BMW”, quick for (Lance) Blanks, (Travis) Mays, and (Joey) Wright. Together, they helped lead the Longhorns to the Elite Eight basketball event in 1990, and the group was once broadly thought to be one of the crucial country’s most fun squads. Lance’s precious contribution to the game was once said when he was once inducted into the Texas Longhorns Hall of Honor in 2007.

Lance was once drafted via the (*56*) Pistons with the twenty sixth pick out within the 1990 NBA Draft and went directly to play for 3 years within the NBA, adopted via seven a hit years as a qualified player throughout Europe. After his taking part in profession, Lance served as a scout for the San Antonio Spurs, Assistant General Manager for the Cleveland Cavaliers, General Manager for the Phoenix Suns, and maximum just lately as a Scout for the Los Angeles Clippers.

Joe Dumars, a former NBA player and an in depth pal to Lance, expressed his condolences and stated, “Lance was a light for all those who knew him. It’s been a privilege to have called him one of my closest friends. I’m eternally grateful for all the support he has shown me throughout the years. His legacy will be carried on, not only by his family, but by all those whose lives he touched for the better. You will be dearly missed, brother.”

Lance was once referred to as a mentor to many youngsters, gamers, and executives within the basketball international. He selected to commit his time outdoor of the court docket in making an investment within the good fortune of others. He served as a expert in just about all aspects of lifestyles and blazed numerous new trails with a deep dedication to making area and alternative for long term generations to thrive. As a part of this paintings, Lance spent a few years with Basketball Without Borders, a global non-profit group that promotes basketball as a way to create certain social exchange for teens in underserved spaces around the globe. In addition, he was once concerned with the Nigerian National Team within the 2020 Summer Olympics.

The NBA has showed the devastating news that Lance Blanks died in Dallas the day before today.

A Texas hoops legend, former Spurs scouting director, TV broadcaster, father of 2 daughters, and trustworthy longtime caretaker to his soccer pioneer dad, Lance leaves a staggering legacy.

— Mike Finger (@mikefinger) May 4, 2023

Lance was once pre-deceased via his father, Sidney “Sugar Bear” Blanks Sr., former NFL working again for the Houston Oilers and New England Patriots. His father was once the primary African American to obtain a soccer scholarship within the State of Texas. In honor of his father’s legacy, Lance was once closely invested in actual property tasks, neighborhood affairs, and trade in his father’s place of birth of Del Rio, Texas. As an entrepreneur and author, Lance based Sugar Bear Estates in 2020 to function a bastion of the Del Rio neighborhood and replicate the lifestyles and legacy of his circle of relatives.

Lance leaves in the back of his mom Clarice, brother Sidney Jr., his daughters’ mom Renee, his daughters Riley and Bryn, and his granddaughter Isabel. He was once a faithful father, son, and dependable pal. Anyone who knew or met him was once touched via his heat smile, calm demeanor, and witty jokes. Lance’s authentic and being concerned middle will probably be deeply overlooked via all.

“My dad was my person. He was my teacher, my idol, my best friend. The love I have for him is simply immeasurable. He carried his family and friends on his selfless shoulders, and he was the wisest man I’ll ever know. The path ahead is dark without him, but he once told me that he trusted my sister and me to carry the torch of our family’s legacy. And we will.” – Riley Blanks Reed

“My heart aches for the tragic loss of my daddy. He was our father, our rock, our superhero – the one who was there when we needed him most. Life will never be the same without him. I rest in knowing that his indomitable legacy and infectious commitment to family and community will live on forever.” – Bryn Blanks Lewis

“My child, mama loves you.” – Clarice Blanks

For extra main points referring to Lance’s birthday party of lifestyles, please seek advice from Riley Blanks Reed’s Facebook within the coming days.