Ex-Bulls player, analyst Van Lier dies (AP)

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Former Chicago Bulls guard and broadcaster Norm Van Lier was found dead Thursday afternoon in his home, authorities said. He was 61. Firefighters went to his home, just blocks from the United Center, to respond to a request for a well-being check. They found Van Lier unresponsive shortly before 1 p.m. and he was pronounced dead at the scene, said Chicago Fire Department spokesman Quention Curtis.



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[Diamondback Jay]

I am completely devestated by this news.

I had the luxury of getting to meet and speak with Van Lier at St. Francis College (PA) during an alumni rally. From there, we exchanged numbers and email addresses and we corresponded on somewhat regular basis.

He gave me quite a few tips about the broadcasting industry that I use to this day and was hugely influential in my growth in this industry. I owe a lot to the man for his help in that and future correspondences, which despite a rigorous schedule, he regularly welcomed.

The industry will not be the same without Van Lier in it. Subsequently, neither will the world.

Rest in Peace to a great basketball player but more importantly an even better man. Thanks for everything, although I wish I had said it more regularly and sooner.