'Threat to all age groups': Sport rocked by double coronavirus tragedy
America has been rocked by the deaths of two former college basketball stars, reportedly both from coronavirus.
Former Texas A&M point guard David Edwards and former St. John’s player Lee Green both died on Monday after contracting coronavirus, according to multiple reports.
Edwards was 48 while Green was 49.
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Edwards, who led his conference in assists in 1994, died from the virus, his teammate Charles Henderson announced on Facebook.
“This coronavirus has hit me in the heart. We need to find a vaccine,” Henderson wrote.
“Dave was one of the fiercest competitors and best point guards that I've ever met.
“Nearly unstoppable. Learned a how to become tough as nails competing against him everyday and shaking off adversity.”
A Texas A&M official confirmed the report to the Dallas Morning News.
Edwards began his college career at Georgetown, but transferred after his freshman season to Texas A&M.
With the Aggies, the 5-foot-9 Edwards averaged 13.3 points, 8.8 assists, 5.6 rebounds and 2.7 steals per game in his senior year, with his 265 assists easily leading the Southwestern Conference.
American sport rocked by double tragedy
Edwards wasn’t the only former college basketball player to have his death due to coronavirus reported either, as Green - who played for St. John’s during the same time as Edwards’s career - also died.
The Big East Conference school announced the death without identifying a cause. The New York Post quoted former teammate and friend Lamont Middleton in reporting Green's death was related to coronavirus.
A New York City native, Green Green played for St. John's from 1991-94, playing his first season under Lou Carnesecca and his final two for Brian Mahoney. He averaged 2.3 points.
“He was a very gifted athlete, very strong,” Mahoney said.
“He was a guard who could penetrate. He had very good skills penetrating, dribbling the ball and became a very good defensive player for us.”
COVID-19 is a threat to all age groups.
David Edwards was only 48. He played basketball at my Alma Mater. Sad day in Aggieland.
Sending my deepest sympathy to David’s family and friends.
Rest In Peace, David.
https://t.co/FyP37DTIPN— Prof99 (@TruthProf99) March 24, 2020
Andrew Jackson H.S. Star David Edwards Jr. and St. Nicholas of Tolentine H.S. standout Lee Green both reported dead from the #COVID19 virus yesterday.
Our condolences to all the friends and family of these great men. #Basketball #NYC #Hoops pic.twitter.com/cR6Ji14m85— dribblendimes (@dribblendimes) March 24, 2020
David Edwards, a former Texas A&M guard who holds the school's single-season record for total assists from his play in the early 1990s, has died of complications from the coronavirus. Former St. John's guard Lee Green also died after battling the virus. https://t.co/rmoxX3T2e7
— Scott Travis (@smtravis) March 24, 2020
Two former college basketball players have died from Coronavirus:
David Edwards — https://t.co/QF4PN1aEQN
Lee Green — https://t.co/YxuKHk1Hp0— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) March 24, 2020
COVID-19 is not just a Boomer Doomer, it's killing healthy men too.
Former college basketball players David Edwards, Lee Green die from coronavirus https://t.co/u46qwpIweW— Rick Cramer (@quickrick1) March 24, 2020
Reports: 2 ex-college hoops players die from coronavirus https://t.co/Bj2JvrD4sy People from every age group have died from this virus and concern should be placed on society as a whole rather than to minimize the risk to young people.
— Michael Wright (@mswright353) March 24, 2020
Green maintained a close relationship with the program over the years, attending games as recently as this past season.
“He was our defensive lockdown guy,” Ron Lifonte, St. John's assistant athletic director for sports medicine, told the New York Post.
“He could score if he needed to. He was one of the guys who really relished the role of ‘Give me your best player and I’ll lock him down.’
“He sacrificed his offense a lot for the good of the team, and he was everybody’s favourite.”
Current coach Mike Anderson called Green's death a loss for the St. John’s family.
”He left behind a lasting legacy with his contributions to our basketball program and touched so many lives in his years of service as a police officer in New York City," Anderson said.
Former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz also died from the virus on Sunday.
with Yahoo Sports US and Associated Press
