Flip Saunders, a mainstay of Minnesota basketball at the college and professional levels for decades, has died of complications from Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He was 60 years old.
The Minnesota Timberwolves announced Saunders’ death Sunday afternoon. Saunders had been serving as the team’s head coach and president, but stepped away from those duties last month due to complications from his cancer treatment.
It is with extreme sadness to report that today Phil “Flip” Saunders has passed away at age 60. pic.twitter.com/l8tthTocAt
— Timberwolves PR (@Twolves_PR) October 25, 2015
Over the summer the Wolves announced that Saunders was battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system. At the time the team and Saunders called it “highly treatable.”
In September, however, complications forced him to step aside. On Friday night, Wolves owner Glen Taylor said Saunders wouldn’t return to the team this year.
The Timberwolves canceled practice Sunday and will release more information later, Timberwolves PR said on Twitter.
Kevin Garnett, who as a teenager was drafted from high school into the NBA by Saunders and the Wolves management at the time, posted this on his Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/kevingarnett/photos/a.933219856725855.1073741825.243754359005745/933219176725923/?type=3
“Flip’s untimely passing has left a gaping hole in the fabric of our league,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released the following statement regarding the passing of Flip Saunders pic.twitter.com/qsh5usiYmw
— NBA (@NBA) October 25, 2015
” target=”_blank”>in a statement. “Flip was a beloved figure around the NBA, nowhere more so than in Minnesota, demonstrating a genuine and consistent passion for his players, his team and the game.”
Saunders first coached the Wolves from 1995-2005, and is the winningest coach in franchise history. He is the only coach to lead the Timberwolves to the playoffs.
Saunders returned to the Timberwolves in 2013 as the team’s president of basketball operations and returned to the sideline last year.
Players have taken to social media to share messages:
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Thank you for everything you have done for me coach! U will Truly be missed. I know God will take… https://t.co/bcWGxwOtUR
— Zach LaVine (@ZachLaVine) October 25, 2015
You have done so much for so many people, including myself. Thank you coach! You will be truly missed.
R.I.P coach Flip— Tyus Jones (@1Tyus) October 25, 2015
We have all been blessed by your wonderful life, Coach Flip. You will be deeply missed. Rest in peace.
— shabazzmuhammad.eth (@ShabazzMuhammad) October 25, 2015
In addition to his 11 seasons with the Wolves, Saunders coached at Detroit and Washington as well. In 17 seasons, he had a career coaching record of 654-592.
Our thoughts are with the friends and family of Flip Saunders, a #Gophers great. https://t.co/v8vo8y3IrO pic.twitter.com/MhQqkUatRC
— Minnesota Golden Gophers (@GopherSports) October 25, 2015
Saunders was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and played basketball for the University of Minnesota from 1974-1977 with other greats like Kevin McHale. According to GopherSports.com, Saunders scored 842 points, 365 rebounds and 256 assists in his four-year career.
Saunders also spent time on the Gophers bench as an assistant coach from 1981-1986.
Moment of silence for Flip before today's scrimmage. pic.twitter.com/pD0tsHm32g
— Minnesota Men's Basketball (@GopherMBB) October 25, 2015
He is survived by wife, Debbie, daughters Mindy, Rachel and Kimberly, and son Ryan, who is an assistant coach with the Wolves.
Sports Illustrated writer Steve Rushin, a Minnesota native, wrote this column in 2006 about his first interactions with Flip as a kid who lived in his neighborhood.
Reaction to Saunders’ death
Condolences and remembrances have been pouring in from sports figures and many others across Minnesota and the nation.
A writer at USA Today, Sam Amick, noted that Saunders was known to be a friendly, decent man who treated everyone with respect. Many others echoed those same sentiments.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released the following statement regarding the passing of Flip Saunders pic.twitter.com/qsh5usiYmw
— NBA (@NBA) October 25, 2015
My condolences to the Saunders and @Timberwolves family! Lost a great person in our fraternity way to early. So sad #RIPFlip
— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 25, 2015
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Coach Flip. My condolences to his family and loved ones. #RIPFLIP pic.twitter.com/yxcJwdT0eG
— THAD YOUNG (@yungsmoove21) October 25, 2015
An open & touching statement from Michigan State coach Tom Izzo on his friend of 30+ years, Flip Saunders pic.twitter.com/f8Gpc8F9Yi
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) October 25, 2015
Flip Saunders was nicest, kindest person I've worked with in my 19 years at ESPN. Brutal news.
— BucciOT.Com (@Buccigross) October 25, 2015
Heartbroken by Flip's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Flip, his family and the rest i the Wolves organization
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) October 25, 2015
One of the saddest days in the NBA that I can remember: Flip Saunders, great coach & great man, has passed away at a mere 60 years old #RIP
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) October 25, 2015
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