TSU alum- Anthony Mason reportedly suffers a massive heart attack

Anthony Mason, the self-proclaimed “Locksmith” whose defense and bruising play became a staple of the Pat Riley Knicks teams in the 1990s, is critically ill following a massive heart attack, a person familiar with the situation confirmed yesterday.

Mason, 48, played with the Knicks for five seasons from 1991 to 1996, averaging 9.9 points and 7.7 rebounds during his time in New York.

While the team issued no official comment, the Knicks tweeted out before their game with Orlando, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Anthony Mason and his family. #Knicks”

A person close to the family said he was asked not to comment on the situation, but he did confirm Mason was in grave condition at an area hospital.

Former Post NBA columnist Peter Vecsey first reported the sobering news on Twitter.

“Sickened 2 report, ex-Knick Anthony Mason fighting 4 life. Congestive heart failure, heart attack, 4 surgeries, last one 9 hrs. Sons by side,” Vecsey tweeted.

Vecsey later added Mason suffered the heart attack while at the hospital for tests, noting the former All-Star player’s weight had skyrocketed to 350 pounds, roughly 90 pounds above his playing weight. Mason had been dealing with heart issues for a year, the tweet said.

Mason was born in Miami, but he went to school in Springfield Gardens, Queens. After playing collegiately at Tennessee State, Mason was drafted on the third round by Portland but was cut. He played briefly overseas in 1988-89.

Mason played 13 seasons in the league, averaging 10.9 points and 8.3 rebounds. He missed the 1998-99 season with a ruptured biceps while a member of the Charlotte Hornets. He was the league’s Sixth Man of the Year with the Knicks in 1995 and an All-Star with the Heat in 2001. NY Post