Former Suns CEO Lance Blanks died by suicide, his daughter Riley Blanks Reed shared in a column for ESPN that was published Tuesday
Blanks, also a school basketball analyst for ESPN and the Longhorn Network, died on May 3.
“People will want more information” Reed wrote. “But the very fact is, we’ll never really know why. And we haven’t got to. All we’ve to do is remember him, honor him, have a good time him and pour our love into the family that made him joyful.
“All we’d like to know is that usually the people that suffer essentially the most are the giants in our lives.”
The 56-year-old played for the University of Texas in 1988-89 – led the Longhorns to the Elite Eight in 1990 and was inducted into the college’s Hall of Honor in 2007 – before being drafted by Piston with the #1 pick. twenty sixth overall pick within the 1990 NBA draft .
![Lance Blanks, assistant general manager of the Cleveland Cavaliers, is interviewed during the first day of play](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/GettyImages-55317695.jpg?w=1024)
He also played for the Timberwolves before joining the Continental Basketball Association and spending three seasons in Europe.
“I could inform you about every accolade, every stat, and each award Daddy has received throughout his profession,” Reed wrote. “But this information is simple to search out, and once I take heed to his relatives, fans and community, I do not hear about his resume. I’ve heard of his character.
Blanks spent five seasons because the Cavaliers’ assistant general manager before joining the Suns front office.
His tenure resulted in 2013 after three seasons with no playoff appearance.
Blanks is survived by his wife, Renee, and two daughters, including Reed, whom he helped change into a four-star tennis recruit in Virginia.
“He recently told me that I gave him a front row seat in my life and that it was his biggest joy,” Reed wrote. “He didn’t understand that it was mine too.
![Lance Blanks #32 of the Detroit Pistons shooting against the New York Knicks circa 1991 at Madison Square Garden, New York City](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/GettyImages-473165216.jpg?w=683)
“A couple of months ago I asked him, ‘Daddy, what’s the one thing in life that makes you the happiest?’ Without hesitation, he said, “Family, Riles. Just family.
“Dad, Lance, LB, my everlasting hero, has left a void that can’t be filled,” she continued. “And yet I find comfort within the promise to honor him with all that he left us. In my sister Bryn’s loving embrace, I’ll keep in mind that we’re each ceaselessly sure to the extraordinary man who was our world.”
If you happen to are scuffling with suicidal thoughts or experiencing a mental crisis and live in NYC, you’ll be able to call 1-888-NYC-WELL free of charge, confidential crisis counseling. If you happen to live outside of those five boroughs, you’ll be able to call the 24-hour National Suicide Prevention hotline on 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.