HOUSTON – The HCU men's basketball program and the HCU athletic department mourn the passing of former Husky Rod Nealy, who passed away this past Friday after suffering a heart attack.
"We are devastated and heartbroken over the passing of Rod Nealy," said
Ron Cottrell, James Sears Bryant Head Men's Basketball Coach at HCU. "Rod was one of the best basketball players ever to play for the Huskies and enjoyed a lengthy professional career, but he was also a very kind and compassionate young man."
"I could go on and on about his statistics, records and basketball talents, but there are not enough words to describe how special Rod Nealy was as a caring individual who lived his life in service to others. We ask for continued prayers for his mom, family, former teammates and our entire HCU basketball family. He will be missed by so many, but his legacy will carry on."
Nealy played one season for the Huskies, 2002-03, enjoying one of the most impressive seasons in program history. He averaged 28.9 points to lead the nation in scoring en route to all-America honors and a National Player of the Year award. Nealy finished that season with 984 points and 373 rebounds. He then went on to enjoy a long and successful career playing professionally overseas. This past Fall, Nealy returned to school at HCU to work toward finishing his degree. He was inducted into the HCU Hall of Honor in 2007.
The funeral for Nealy will be held at 10:00 a.m. this Saturday, Jan. 7, at Mt. Hebron Missionary Baptist Church, 7817 Calhoun Rd., Houston, TX 77033.
