Not only was he an NBA athlete who played for the Pistons and Timberwolves, but Lance Blanks was a legend of University of Texas college basketball in the late 1980s, and general manager of the Phoenix Suns at the end of his career.
Dallas County was the first to announce the death of the former athlete on Wednesday at the age of 56, while the causes and manner of his death are still unknown pending examination results.
Our family has lost a true legend of the long centuries. 🤘
Our thoughts and prayers are with Lance Blanc’s family and friends. #HookEm pic.twitter.com/aOkdX95lsf
– Texas Men’s Basketball (TexasMBB) May 4, 2023
“Lance was a light to everyone who knew him,” said NBA Executive Vice President Joe Dumars, who shared the court with the Blanks in Detroit. “It has been a pleasure to call him one of my closest friends. I am forever grateful for all the support he has given me over 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 greatly missed, my dear.” my brother. “
Blank began his football career in 1985 at the University of Virginia, but after two seasons he moved to Texas to represent Longhorn. The athlete quickly became a star as he averaged 20 points, 5 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game in 1988 and 1989, becoming an inductee into the Texas Hall of Honor in 2007.
“We lost a really great one with the passing of Lance Blanks, and we are all devastated and loved,” said Chris Del Conte, University of Texas vice president and director of athletics. Lance is a Longhorn Legend, an icon, and has had a far-reaching presence and influence in the world of college and professional basketball.
“He was just an amazing person who always had a positive energy, a charismatic smile, and a presence that brightened up any room. He absolutely loved his longhorns, was a proud Texan, and always reached out to anyone in need.”
The shooting guard then went on to be selected by Detroit in the first round of the NBA Draft in 1990.
Blanks played for three campaigns for both the Pistons and later Minnesota, then continued his career outside the United States, only to return decades later as a back-to-back NBA draft pick for the San Antonio Spurs, Cleveland Cavaliers and Phoenix Suns.
Friends and family also dedicated heart-warming messages to the banks
Blanks’ daughters and several family members issued statements about his death last Thursday afternoon.
“He was my own father,” said Riley Blanks-Reid. “He was my teacher, my idol, my best friend. The love I have for him is immeasurable. The love I have for him is immeasurable. He carried his family and friends on his selfless shoulders and was the wisest man I ever knew.”
Her sister, Brynn, expressed how much admiration they shared. “My heart aches for the tragic loss of my father. He was our dad, our rock, our superhero — the person who was there when we needed him most. Life wouldn’t be the same without him,” she added.
His close friend, Eric Metcalfe, who became an NFL star after being a student at UT with the Blanks, also wrote a loving letter dedicated to his old friend.
“Everybody hug your family and friends and tell them you love them. We have lost a dear brother and friend. People go through things and you never know it!!!” he wrote on his Twitter account.