Quick Facts
Biography
Michael Anthony Brooks (August 17, 1958 – August 22, 2016) was an American professional basketball player. At 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m), he played as a forward.
La Salle
Brooks racked up 2,628 points and 1,372 rebounds as an Explorer, leading La Salle to the NCAA Tournament in 1978 and 1980 and earning Big 5 MVP honors during those same years. He was named College Player of the Year in 1980. He is currently the 28th leading scorer in the history of the NCAA. He was inducted into the La Salle Hall of Athletes in 1985 and the Big 5 Hall of Fame in 1986.
International
Brooks played for the USA in the Pan American Games in 1979. Brooks was chosen captain of USA 1980 Olympic team but was unable to compete due to the 1980 Summer Olympics boycott. In 2007 he received one of 461 Congressional Gold Medals created especially for the spurned athletes.
NBA
Brooks was selected by the San Diego Clippers with the 9th overall pick of the 1980 NBA Draft. In the NBA Brooks played for the Clippers (1980–84), Indiana Pacers (1986–87) and Denver Nuggets (1987–88) in altogether 319 games over six seasons.
Personal life
Michael Brooks had five children, Michael Johnson-Brooks, Athena Brooks, Julien Brooks, Jasper Brooks, and Sacha Brooks. Michael was also survived by his mother and 2 younger sisters.