Stacey King facts for kids
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King in 2009
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| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 29, 1967 Lawton, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Died | June 7, 2026 (aged 59) River Forest, Illinois, U.S. |
| High school | Lawton (Lawton, Oklahoma) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) |
| Listed weight | 230 lb (104 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Oklahoma (1985–1989) |
| NBA Draft | 1989 / Round: 1 / Pick: 6th overall |
| Selected by the Chicago Bulls | |
| Pro career | 1989–1999 |
| Career history | |
| As player: | |
| 1989–1994 | Chicago Bulls |
| 1994–1995 | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| 1995–1996 | Miami Heat |
| 1996–1997 | Grand Rapids Hoops |
| 1997 | Sioux Falls Skyforce |
| 1997 | Boston Celtics |
| 1997 | Dallas Mavericks |
| 1997–1998 | Antalya Büyükşehir Belediyesi |
| 1998 | Sioux Falls Skyforce |
| 1998–1999 | Atenas de Córdoba |
| As coach: | |
| 2001–2002 | Rockford Lightning |
| 2002–2003 | Sioux Falls Skyforce |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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| Career NBA statistics | |
| Points | 2,819 (6.4 ppg) |
| Rebounds | 1,460 (3.3 rpg) |
| Blocks | 210 (0.5 bpg) |
Ronald Stacey King (born January 29, 1967 – died June 7, 2026) was an American professional basketball player and a popular sports announcer. He played as a center in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Stacey King is best known for winning three championships in a row with the Chicago Bulls from 1991 to 1993. Before joining the NBA, he was a star college basketball player for the Oklahoma Sooners. He even earned national player of the year honors in 1989. After his playing career, King became a beloved television announcer for the Bulls, starting in the 2006–07 season and continuing until his passing.
Contents
Stacey King's Journey: From College Star to NBA Champion
Growing Up and College Basketball
Stacey King was born in Lawton, Oklahoma, on January 29, 1967. He attended Lawton High School and later played college basketball at the University of Oklahoma. He played for the Oklahoma Sooners from 1985 to 1989 under coach Billy Tubbs. During his first year, he was considered a rising star. However, he could not play in the All-Star game due to an injury from a car accident.
After his second year, King thought about leaving Oklahoma. He was not happy with his limited playing time in a big game. But his academic advisor, coach, and parents convinced him to stay. He spent a summer working in construction. This experience helped him decide to focus even more on his basketball career.
A Star at Oklahoma University
During the 1987–88 season, Stacey King became a true star for the Sooners. He averaged 22.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. He also set a record for blocked shots in the Big Eight Conference. King led his team to the 1988 NCAA championship game. This was their first championship appearance in 41 years. He scored 17 points and grabbed seven rebounds in that game. Although Oklahoma lost to Kansas, King was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP). He promised to stay at Oklahoma and finish his degree.
In the 1988–89 season, King continued to shine. He averaged 26.0 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. He led the Big Eight in both points and blocks. For his amazing performance, he received the Big Eight Player of the Year award. He was also named a first-team All-American and The Sporting News Player of the Year. Stacey King ranks among the top players in Sooners history for total points and rebounds.
Playing in the NBA
After his incredible college career, many expected King to be a top pick in the 1989 NBA draft. The Chicago Bulls selected him as the sixth overall pick.
Winning Championships with the Chicago Bulls
In his first NBA season, Stacey King played in all 82 games for the Bulls. He averaged 8.9 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. He even led the team in rebounding in six games. He scored a career-high 24 points in a win against the Washington Bullets. In the playoffs, he played well when filling in for Scottie Pippen. He earned a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
His second season had some challenges that affected his playing time. Despite this, King played an important role for the Bulls. The team went on to win the 1991 NBA Finals, their first championship title.
Stacey King became a key rotational player for the Bulls. He helped the team win three NBA championships in a row. These victories happened during the Michael Jordan era in 1991, 1992, and 1993. He made a notable contribution in Game 6 of the 1992 Finals. He helped Chicago come back from a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter to win the championship.
After Michael Jordan's first retirement, King played one more season with the Bulls. He averaged 5.5 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. He missed some games due to an ankle injury. Overall, he averaged 6.6 points and 3.3 rebounds during his time with the Bulls.
Other Teams and International Play
In 1994, the Bulls traded King to the Minnesota Timberwolves. His first season there was one of his best statistically. He averaged 11.8 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. However, he did not enjoy his time with the Timberwolves.
He later signed with the Miami Heat in October 1994. Injuries limited his playing time there. After his time in the NBA, King played for teams in the Continental Basketball Association. These teams included the Grand Rapids Hoops and the Sioux Falls Skyforce. His health improved during this time. In 1996–97, he signed short contracts with the Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics. However, he could not secure a permanent spot.
Stacey King then decided to play basketball overseas. He played for the Antalya Büyükşehir Belediyesi in Turkey from 1997 to 1998. After resolving a payment issue, he returned to the Sioux Falls Skyforce. He helped them reach the CBA Finals. He then played briefly for the Atenas de Córdoba in Argentina before injuries ended his playing career.
Life After Playing Basketball
Coaching Career
After retiring as a player, Stacey King became a coach. He started as an assistant coach for the Rockford Lightning in 2000–01. On January 15, 2001, he became the head coach. He quickly turned the team's season around. In the 2001–02 season, King led the Lightning to the CBA Finals. They narrowly lost to the Dakota Wizards. After leaving the Lightning, he also coached his former team, the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
Remembering Stacey King
Stacey King passed away on June 7, 2026, at his home in River Forest, Illinois. He was 59 years old. Reports indicated he had fallen at home. The exact cause of his passing is still being determined. Stacey King will be remembered for his contributions to basketball, both as a player and as a beloved announcer.
See also
In Spanish: Stacey King para niños
