Players, coaches pay tribute to Syracuse legend Pearl Washington
The basketball world lost an icon on Wednesday, with the passing of Dwayne "Pearl" Washington from brain cancer.
While the 52-year-old played three years in the NBA, he was best known for his time at Syracuse, where he averaged over 15 points a game from 1983-85, including a Sweet 16 appearance in 1984.
Once the news of Washington's passing came out, the tributes poured in across social media, starting with his former coach, Jim Boeheim:
There was no better guy and there’s nobody who has meant more to our basketball program than Dwayne Washington.#CuseFamily
— Jim Boeheim (@therealboeheim) April 20, 2016
Current St. John's coach Chris Mullin, who played against Washington, released a statement which read in part:
Then, from there the tributes continued from across the Syracuse, Big East and basketball communities:
Rest in peace, Pearl.
Prayers to the Family, Friends, n Fans of the Great Pearl Washington! Can’t talk NYC BBall w/o Pearl! God Bless#RIP pic.twitter.com/EW162XT5M3
— Mark Jackson (@MarkJackson13) April 20, 2016
Our deepest condolences to the family of Pearl Washington. pic.twitter.com/2k5NuE1MCQ
— Georgetown Hoops (@GeorgetownHoops) April 20, 2016
The Pearl NYC Pt GOD R.I.P! pic.twitter.com/jXp3Eh9PrF
— Kenny Anderson (@chibbs_1) April 20, 2016