By Joseph Staszewski
Former New York Knicks and Springfield Garden star Anthony Mason died at the age of 48 early Saturday morning, according to his family.
Mason, who helped lead Springfield Gardens to the 1983 PSAL boys’ basketball city title, was suffering from congestive heart failure. He had a massive heart attack in mid-February and was recovering from multiple surgeries.
“Overnight New York City and the world lost a legend, a friend, a brother … but more than anything our father, Anthony Mason,” said Anthony Mason Jr., son and former St. John’s star, in a statement. “As you all would expect, our father — Big Mase — put up an incredible fight, dealing with 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.”
Mason played 13 seasons in the NBA, including five for the Knicks, from 1991-96. He averaged 9.9 points and 7.7 rebounds during his years with New York and epitomized the tough style of play of head coach Pat Riley. The colorful Mason won the league’s Sixth Man of the Year Award in 1995 and was an All-Star with the Miami Heat in 2001.
“As a competitor there was none finer than Anthony Mason,” said New York Knicks President Phil Jackson in a statement. “Standing on the other 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 the family.”
Mason became known for his bruising style of play and agility even though he had a 6-foot-7, 260-pound frame. He helped the Knicks reach the 1994 NBA Finals. Mason gave himself the nickname “The Locksmith” because he boasted he could lock up anyone defensively. He also became famous for the every changing writing in his hair. Mason would have words like “Ready,” “Mase” and “In God’s Hands” buzzed into it.
Mason Jr. played basketball at St. John’s University for Mason’s high school teammate, Norm Roberts. Younger son Antoine Mason currently plays at Auburn. Mason Jr. thanked everyone for their prayers and well wishes, but requested his family be given a chance to grieve at this time.
“I ask at this time that you respect our family’s privacy with regard to questions as our family takes the time to mourn,” Anthony Mason Jr. said.
