Previous North Carolina Tar Heels basketball star Ademola Okulaja died on Tuesday, the college verified.
A cause of loss of life was not reported for the 46-calendar year-previous standout participant.
“Carolina Basketball is saddened to discover of the the latest, untimely passing of Tar Heel forward Ademola Okulaja (1995-99) at age 46,” UNC wrote on Twitter.
The 6-foot-9 ahead performed with Vince Carter and Antwan Jamison below legendary coach Dean Smith from 1995 to 1999.
The 3 would guide UNC to two Closing Fours, such as in coach Smith’s last time.
“This is so painful…, we’re heading to overlook you my boy. RIP,” Carter wrote on Twitter.” “I’m praying for your kids and spouse and children. With out a question you have touched the lives of a lot of with your kindness.”
Okulaja was a 1,000-position scorer in his Tar Heel times. He was offered 1st crew All-ACC honors and acquired Most Beneficial Participant in the course of his senior yr.
Okulaja performed skillfully in Europe and led Germany in two FIBA Environment Cup tournaments, like in 2002 when he teamed up with Dirk Nowitzki to support Germany win bronze in Indianapolis.
A cancerous tumor was identified on Okulaja’s backbone in 2008, placing an conclude to his basketball vocation.
Born in Nigeria, Okulaja’s family members moved him to Germany when he was a toddler. He graduated substantial faculty in West Berlin prior to actively playing on a scholarship at North Carolina.
Okulaja leaves at the rear of his wife, Michaela-Oretha Okulaja, and three sons.
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