Memphis Grizzlies Assistant GM Kenny Williamson Died from Cancer

Tragedy continues to strike the Memphis Grizzlies’ front-office. Following the recent death of Dana Davis, VP of basketball operations, assistant general manager Kenny Williamson died today after a losing a battle with cancer. Per the Commercial Appeal: “Affectionately known as ‘Eggman,’ Williams was a devoted family man with 35 years of experience as a basketball coach, scout and executive on every level. ‘Anybody who has met him will never forget him,’ Griz general manager Chris Wallace said. ‘He was a big personality and extremely well respected, and about as well known as you can get in basketball circles -– not only in this country but internationally.’ Wallace grew close to Williamson through international scouting and hired him in the Grizzlies front office during the summer of 2007. Williamson spent three seasons with the Charlotte Bobcats before coming to Memphis. Williamson, who was an impressive talent evaluator, worked six seasons for the New York Knicks under Ernie Grunfeld. Williamson also coached on the AAU and major college levels under the likes of the late Jim Valvano, Lou Carnesecca and Denny Crum. He coached collegiately in the ACC and the Big East. A native New Yorker, he was a well-known fixture at historic Rucker Park in Harlem and was featured in the television basketball documentary ‘Hallowed Ground,’ as well as an NBA-produced film on the Entertainers Basketball Classic at Rucker Park. Williamson was a graduate of City College of New York and is survived by his wife and five children.”