Wednesday, July 6th, 2011 at 12:45 pm  |  30 responses

Armen Gilliam Dies Playing Basketball

The former UNLV star and 13-year NBA vet died Tuesday at the age of 47 after collapsing in a suburban Pittsburgh gym, according to a report from Pittsburgh’s WTAE-TV.

Armen Gilliam, a 6-foot-9 forward from Bethel Park who was known as “The Hammer” for his physical style of basketball, died Wednesday night. He was 47.

Police said Gilliam had a heart attack and collapsed while playing basketball at LA Fitness in Collier Township. He was rushed to St. Clair Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

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  • sefos

    R.I.P. Hammer

  • Jeremy

    Rest In Peace

  • deejaynola

    I think every hoopsters dream is to go down on the playground. RIP HAMMER.
    My condolences to your family and the guys that had to witness it.

  • http://slamonline.com Allenp

    Tragic.

  • thecomputerdude

    Damn…

  • Stillballin

    Rip..he died playing the game that he love..

  • David J. Moore, IV

    RIP. RESPECT

  • Yann Blavec

    I remember playing him in nba live 94 or95. Repose en paix mon pote.

  • Heals

    Condolences and blessings to all those impacted. Wow, what a terrifying experience for those on the court with him. I wouldn’t know how to pieces back together for quite a while…

  • takashi

    at least he died doing what he loved. RIP

  • YYZ

    RIP Hammer.

  • JL

    That’s too young. RIP

  • MikeC.

    One of the few dudes I ever saw stand up to Charles Oakley and Rick Mahorn. RIP Hammer.

  • http://slamonline BossTerry

    Rest in peace..

  • bnets

    From Nets Nation RIP

  • http://idontknow blc

    Rip this man taught me that size does not matter in rebounding, only desire.

  • Jose

    Co-sign Deejaynola. . .Though yea, it would be horrible/shocking being the obsververs of that (guyz who were ballin wit him at the time)

    .RIP Hammer. . .

  • robb

    RIP

  • Charles

    RIP Hammer-time

  • Armando

    i am sure in heaven there is a Baskettplace to have some fun with all folks around there. Hammer u just call next………..

  • tom

    rip armen

  • http://slamonline.com The Black Rick Kamla

    …no i have to disagree, i love the sport dearly but I’d never want to go on the court. RIP to Armen Gilliam…prayers and condolences for his family.

  • http://www.iowsports.com/ Blue

    *sigh* RIP

  • kurt

    R.I.P. the hammer was known for using his backside as way to gain an advantage boxing out.I always remember him for this because a coach once told me want to be a good re bounder watch the Hammer.

  • http://www.fiba.com Darksaber

    Gone too soon.
    The Hammer died playing the game he loved, wow.

  • Krisjanis

    Rest in Peace!

  • TheNightWatch*8*

    R.i.P

  • KING DAVID

    RIP my g

  • http://nba.com nbalegend

    remember stay hydrated. take some breaks out there.. but for real dude went out like an og right on the bball court to live and die as a baller

  • Todd

    Armen was my coach at 5 Star Basketball camp. He was a great person and his sense of humor was infectious. Armen you taught me alot and you will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace my brother and all the best to Armen’s family during this difficult time.

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