Jerrod Mustaf, former Maryland men’s basketball standout and former first-round NBA draft pick, died Oct. 28 on his birthday at age 55.
Maryland Basketball announced his death on social media, Monday.
“With great sadness, we learned of the passing of Jerrod Mustaf today. Forever a Terp, a teammate, and a friend,” the team wrote on their official Facebook page.
Mustaf was named an “investigative lead” by police, following the shooting murder of his girlfriend Althea Hayes, who was believed to be three months pregnant with their child at time of her death in 1993, according to CBS Sports. Hayes’ family named Mustaf in a wrongful death lawsuit that was later settled out of court, according to Sports Illustrated. Mustaf’s cousin Lavonnie Wooten was convicted of Hayes’ murder in 1996 and sentenced to life in prison, CBS Sports noted.
The circumstances leading up to Mustaf’s death, and his official cause of death have not been reported.
The talented athlete was a first-round NBA draft pick in 1990 after a successful three-season career with the Terps. He averaged 16.6 points per game across a spread of 59 matches, earning him the ninth ranking in University of Maryland program history, according to Fox 45. His towering 6-foot-1o, 238-pound stature positioned Mustaf as a successful power forward, and his skills on the court were undeniable.
LANDOVER, MD – CIRCA 1992: Jerrod Mustaf #0 of the Phoenix Suns in action against the Washington Bullets during an NBA basketball game circa 1992 at the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. Mustaf played for the Suns from 1991-94. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
The 1990 New York Knicks first-round draft pick played alongside Patrick Ewing and Charles Oakley. He was traded to the Phoenix Suns after just one season in New York. He played three seasons with the Suns prior to performing in international leagues, according to People. (RELATED: ‘Young Frankenstein’ Actress Teri Garr Dead at 79)
Mustaf is survived by his son Jaeden, 19, who plays for Georgia Tech.
This article was originally published at dailycaller.com
