Former Utah Jazz center Mark Eaton has died, the team confirmed in a statement. He was 64.
Eaton was found unconscious near his home in Summit County, Utah, after being involved in what appeared to be a bicycle crash on Friday, according to Summit County Sheriff's Office. Eaton was transported to a nearby hospital where he died."The Utah Jazz are profoundly saddened at the unexpected passing of Mark Eaton, who was an enduring figure in our franchise history and had a significant impact in the community after his basketball career," the Utah Jazz said in a statement.
The coach convinced Eaton to enroll at Cypress College and he later transferred to UCLA to play under legendary coach John Wooden.Read MoreThe Jazz drafted Eaton in 1982 in the fourth round of the NBA Draft. He played 11 seasons at center with the Jazz and became a defensive standout.Eaton was a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and has the fourth-most blocks in league history during his career in Utah, among a bevy of defensive accolades.