Ex-Blazer lends his voice to wife’s battle with MS
PORTLAND — Former Trail Blazers star Jerome Kersey died Wednesday at the age of 52.
The team confirmed his passing late Wednesday night, but the cause of death has not yet been determined.
“Today we lost an incredible person and one of the most beloved players to ever wear a Trail Blazers uniform,” Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen said. “My thoughts and condolences are with the Kersey family. He will be missed by all of us. It’s a terrible loss.”
According to Dwight Jaynes of Comcast SportsNet, Kersey told fellow Trail Blazer employees at the team’s Rose Quarter office that he wasn’t feeling well on Wednesday and was going home. He apparently collapsed on the way to his car.
“We’re shocked to lose such a great member of our Trail Blazers family,” team president Chris McGowan said. “The news is so sudden, and we’re sure more details will be forthcoming. But it is indeed a sad day for our organization, the city of Portland and the NBA. Jerome will be remembered not only for his incredible contributions on the court, but his tremendous impact in our community.”
Kersey is survived by his daughter Kiara, his wife Teri and her children McKenzie, Brendan and Maddie.
On Tuesday, Kersey was at Madison High School in Portland with former Blazers Brian Grant and Terry Porter to talk about African American history.
Kersey played 11 seasons for the Blazers and had a 17-year playing career in the NBA. He was also the team’s Director of Alumni Relations.
“Jerome was an incredible influence on our players as a model for life after basketball,” Blazers general manager Neil Olshey said. “He set the bar extremely high with his long-lasting influence in this community.”
Kersey is second all-time in Blazers franchise history in games played, fourth in minutes played and fifth all-time in field goals made.
He played a major part on the Blazers teams that reached the NBA Finals in the early 1990’s. He was the starting small forward. Kersey came out played basketball at small Longwood College in Virgina. He eventually won an NBA championship with the 1999 San Antonio Spurs.
Specifics about a celebration of life are forthcoming from the Kersey family and the Blazers organization.
Kersey had his best season NBA in 1987-88, averaging 19.2 points and 8.3 rebounds. Kersey played in 1,153 regular-season games, also averaging 1.9 assists and 1.2 steals.
At 6-foot-7 and 215 pounds, “No Mercy” Kersey had a broad smile and a warm manner that made him a fan favorite.
Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard posted to Twitter: “Spoke to him regularly about life and the ups and downs of a NBA season. Gone too soon, much love!” Others who posted their condolences included Kobe Bryant and Vince Carter.
Kersey retired from basketball in 2001.
He was an assistant coach with Milwaukee in 2004-05 under Porter.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
