NEW YORK, NY — New Rochelle resident and NBA standout Anthony George Douglas “Mase” Mason died Saturday at the age of 48.
Mason played Power Forward and Small Forward and Center in a career that spanned 882 games across 13 NBA seasons. He played for 6 teams including the New Jersey Nets, Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks before retiring after the 2002-03 season.
Despite playing just three years in New York, Mason was a hugely popular player for the Knicks from 1992 to 1995. He played a key role in the Knicks making it to the NBA Finals in 1994 and won the NBA’s Sixth Man Award in 1995. In 2001, Mason was named to the Eastern Conference All-Star team.
Born December 14, 1966 in Miami, Florida, Mason grew up in Queens and played for Springfield Gardens High School in Springfield Gardens, New York before going onto Tennessee State University. He was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 3rd round of the 1988 NBA Draft (53rd overall pick). He made his NBA Debut on January 29, 1990.
Anthony Mason died as a result of congestive heart failure. He had a massive heart attack and died Saturday in Manhattan.
Mason’s two sons were exceptional basketball players. Anthony Mason Jr. played for St. John’s University. Antoine Mason currently plays for Auburn University. Antoine was New Rochelle High School’s Athlete of the Year in 2009-10.
Anthony Mason, Jr.: “First, I want to thank all those who offered prayers and well-wishes for my Father, our family really appreciated it. Overnight New York City and the world lost a legend, a friend, a brother..but more than anything our father, Anthony Mason. As you all would expect our father — Big Mase — put up an incredible fight dealing with a severe heart issues. I’m wishing this was something else I was writing, but Pops we’ve got to let you know we love you and know you’ll always be with us. I ask at this time that you respect our family’s privacy with regard to questions as our family takes the time to mourn.”
NBA Commission Adam Silver: “Anthony Mason exemplified perseverance for all players fighting for their chance in the NBA. With a gritty style of play and a distinctive skill set, he blossomed from a third-round draft pick into a Sixth Man Award winner, AII-NBA selection and, at age 34, an All-Star. NBA fans and players around the league admired his tenacity on defense and playmaking on offense. Our deepest sympathies go out to the Mason family during this difficult time.”
Knicks GM Phil Jackson: “As a competitor, there was none fiercer than Anthony Mason. Standing on the opposite end of the playing field, coaching in those great Chicago/New York battles, No. 14 in the Orange and Blue always stood out. On behalf of the entire Knickerbocker community, our condolences go out to his family. Rest in peace. Mase.”
Pat Riley: “News like this is not only sad, but it’s tragic. Anthony Mason was a very young man with a great family and friends. To lose him so quickly during his journey, especially to those of us that knew him, hurts. We had a great season in Miami experiencing Anthony as an All-Star with the HEAT, and I also had the privilege of coaching him for four years in New York, where he helped take us to the brink of a championship. There were so many great moments that we shared that I will never forget. Our prayers and sympathies are with his family. May god bless his soul.”