SEATTLE — The basketball world is mourning the death of Lenny Wilkens , the three-time NBA Hall of Famer who brought Seattle its only NBA championship and left an indelible mark on the sport and community. The announcement of his passing came Sunday.

Wilkens, who transitioned from superstar player to legendary coach with the Seattle SuperSonics, is remembered not only for his on-court achievements but also for his profound humanitarian work.

"You put certain individuals on a pedestal, and you think they're going to be around forever," said Michael Bethea, basketball coach at Rainier Beach High School.

Wilkens' impact on basketball spanned decades.

"He coached in the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s. So, he's got an unbelievable impact on basketball," said Danny Ball, who works at Simply

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