Former Wake Forest star and 2000 NBA Sixth Man of the Year Rodney Rogers died on Friday. He was 54.
Rogers died from natural causes related to the spinal cord injury he sustained following an ATV accident on Nov. 28, 2008, per a statement from the National Basketball Players Association.
“The last 17 years have been both challenging and profoundly blessed,” a statement read on behalf of his wife, Faye, and family. “Through every moment, Rodney remained a light — positive, motivated, and full of the quiet strength that inspired everyone around him.”
Rogers had his No. 54 jersey retired by the school in 1996, three years after he finished playing for the Demon Deacons. The forward earned Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year honors in 1993.
“Rodney is truly one of the greatest athletes to ever play in the Atlantic Coast Conference — without reservation,” Rogers’ former coach Dave Odom wrote, per the school release. “You can place him alongside the very best our league has ever seen. It’s easy to focus on his extraordinary talent, but what stood out to everyone who knew him was that he was every bit as remarkable as a human being. He loved his teammates, he loved his family, he loved Wake Forest and he loved the game of basketball. He loved playing for Wake Forest.
“Every time we visited him, I walked away reminding myself never to complain — because he never did. He faced life exactly as it came and made the very best of every moment. He was a joy to watch as a basketball player, but he was an even greater man. He shared his strength, his spirit and his life with everyone around him.”
Rogers was selected by the Denver Nuggets with the ninth overall pick of the 1993 NBA Draft. He averaged 10.9 points and 4.5 rebounds while playing for seven teams during his career, highlighted by his NBA Sixth Man of the Year-winning season in 2000 while with the Phoenix Suns.
“Rodney Rogers played 12 years in the NBA, and I was fortunate to play alongside him for one of those during my rookie year with the 76ers,” NBPA executive director Andre Iguodala said. “He was a consistent force on the court, highlighted by his Sixth Man of the Year Award and his incredible longevity in the league.
“Rodney maintained his warm and welcoming presence throughout his time in the league and even after his tragic accident in 2008 that left him paralyzed. I am honored that I had the privilege to personally experience his joy.”
Rogers is survived by his wife, his daughters, Roddreka and Rydiah; his sons, Rodney II and Devonte, and his mother, Estelle Spencer.
