NBA Player - Anthony Mason dies at age 48

Anthony Mason, TSU alum and a longtime NBA player who helped the New York Knicks reach the 1994 NBA Finals, has died at the age of 48.

A Knicks spokesperson confirmed to ESPN that Mason died early Saturday morning. The 13-year NBA veteran had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure earlier this month.

"First I want to thank all those who offered prayers and well-wishes for my Father, our family really appreciates it," his son, Anthony Mason Jr., said in a statement Saturday. "Overnight, New York City and the world lost a legend, a friend, a brother ... but more than anything our father, Anthony Mason. As you all would expect our father -- Big Mase -- put up an incredible fight, dealing with a severe heart issue. I'm wishing this was something else I was writing, but Pops we've got to let you know we love you and know you'll always be with us."

The Knicks held a moment of silence for Mason before Saturday night's 103-98 win against the Toronto Raptors and aired a video tribute during the game.

Mason's other son, Antoine, is a senior basketball player at Auburn, which played at Texas A&M on Saturday. The Aggies held a moment of silence for the elder Mason.  

Antoine Mason had said earlier this week that his father was "getting better" following multiple heart surgeries.

Mason's family released a statement Saturday morning, saying that he "fought like a warrior to the very end."

"We would like to thank everyone for their heartfelt thoughts and strong prayers," the statement said. "Anthony felt each and every one. He fought like a warrior to the very end. Please keep your prayers and thoughts with us through this very hard time -- it is a great loss for us. We ask for our privacy during this time." ESPN