Former NBA standout Orlando Woolridge has died at his parents' home in Mansfield, La. He was 52.
Woolridge's son, Renaldo Woolridge, played four seasons at the University of Tennessee. He was eligible for a fifth year for the 2012-13 season due to a medical hardship, but decided to transfer to Southern California.
DeSoto Parish Chief Deputy Coroner Billy Locke says Woolridge died Thursday night. He had been under hospice care for a chronic heart condition.
Woolridge was a first-round draft pick of the Chicago Bulls in 1981 and played in the NBA for 13 years. He was a star at Mansfield High School before going on to play for Notre Dame.
He played for the Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Detroit, and also coached the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA.
One of the league's most prolific dunkers, Wooldridge averaged 16.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 28.3 minutes in 851 games. After ending his NBA career, Woolridge spent his final two seasons playing professionally in Italy.
The 6-foot-9 Woolridge averaged 10.6 points in 109 games at Notre Dame, helping the Fighting Irish reach the NCAA tournament in each of his four collegiate seasons.
Woolridge is survived by his three children, Zachary, Renaldo and Tiana; by his parents, Mattie and Larnceen; his sister, Dr. Vanessa Woolridge Duplessis; his brother-in-law, Darren Duplessis; and his nephew, Nigel Duplessis.
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Comments » 19
BIVOLAR_BEARE writes:
Terrible news, my prayers go out to the family and especially to Renaldo..
opvol writes:
The Volnation will be praying for your family Swiperboy...Stay strong...We will always love you!!
rootin4volz writes:
Oh my...condolences to Reynaldo and the entire family.
mtnbikrtn writes:
Renaldo, I am sorry for your loss.
lemich writes:
Sad day, may God bless his family
UT2006 writes:
it is never easy to lose a father, my heart and prayers go out to Renaldo & family, I hope he can find support from UT, staff and fans a like
UTBEATEMALL writes:
Sorry for your loss, Renaldo. Wish you were still here so your extended family could love on during this sad time.
ChurchHillVol67 writes:
Rip Orlando!!
volman2008 writes:
my condolences SWIPERBOY.
VOLsince68 writes:
Extremely sorry for your loss Renaldo. Please know that the UT family is always here for you.
secten#238516 writes:
may god comfort the family, relatives and friends.
Witch_Doctors writes:
Witch Doctor hate to hear about your loss Swiper.
Bones never lie.
Orangeblood13 writes:
Prayers to you swipe
MiserableFloridaVol writes:
Glad he's home in Cali to be with his fam now. Perfect timing. Blessings to you all.
NeylandWest writes:
There is a handful of SEC fans at my FOB that send their condolences to Renaldo and his family. All the way from the 'stan, prayers out to the family. Hang in there, Swiperboy!
tulelakevol writes:
I am sorry for your loss Renaldo, may God comfort you in this time of sorrow.
mocsandvolsfan writes:
May God bless and keep you and your family.
govolsn3 writes:
VOL FOR LIFE Renaldo. Sorry for the loss.
mytrifecta writes:
Renaldo, we will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Also, best of luck as you continue your career at So Cal.
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