Nets release statement on the passing of Darryl Dawkins

The basketball world was shook Thursday with the announcement of the passing of Darryl Dawkins, the first man to go straight from high school to the NBA.

Dawkins played most of his 14 pro seasons with the 76ers, but did spend five years with the Nets, whose ownership and management released an official statement shortly after reports of his passing:

Dawkins was one of the league's genuine characters. You could see him walking around the arena at any given game often, including at Barclays, wearing one of his classic, bright-colored suits.

He was just 58 years old.

(h/t Brooklyn Nets)