Former North Carolina Tar Heels basketball star Ademola Okulaja died on Tuesday, the college confirmed.
A explanation for demise was not reported for the 46-year-old standout participant.
“Carolina Basketball is saddened to study of the latest, untimely passing of Tar Heel ahead Ademola Okulaja (1995-99) at age 46,” UNC wrote on Twitter.
The 6-foot-9 ahead performed with Vince Carter and Antwan Jamison beneath legendary coach Dean Smith from 1995 to 1999.
The three would lead UNC to 2 Closing Fours, together with in coach Smith’s last season.
“That is so painful…, we’re going to overlook you my boy. RIP,” Carter wrote on Twitter.” “I’m praying in your children and household. No doubt you might have touched the lives of many along with your kindness.”
Okulaja was a 1,000-point scorer in his Tar Heel days. He was given first crew All-ACC honors and earned Most Worthwhile Participant throughout his senior yr.
Okulaja performed professionally in Europe and led Germany in two FIBA World Cup tournaments, together with in 2002 when he teamed up with Dirk Nowitzki to assist Germany win bronze in Indianapolis.
A cancerous tumor was discovered on Okulaja’s backbone in 2008, placing an finish to his basketball profession.
Born in Nigeria, Okulaja’s household moved him to Germany when he was a toddler. He graduated highschool in West Berlin earlier than enjoying on a scholarship at North Carolina.
Okulaja leaves behind his spouse, Michaela-Oretha Okulaja, and three sons.
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