Michael Brooks

Michael Brooks was an American-French professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association with San Diego Clippers, Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia Aces, and the French League.

He was named NABC Player of the Year in 1980 and later became a two-time French League Foreign MVP.

Player Profile and Personal Life

Michael Anthony Brooks was born on August 17, 1958, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, and passed away on August 22, 2016, in Étoy, Switzerland.

He stood 201 cm tall and his weight was last listed at 100 kg. He shot right and played small forward throughout his career. He had five children: Michael Johnson-Brooks, Athena Brooks, Julien Brooks, Jasper Brooks, and Sacha Brooks.

High School and College Career

Brooks attended West Philadelphia Catholic High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

He then played college basketball at La Salle University from 1976 to 1980, where his No. 32 jersey was retired. He was named NABC Player of the Year, a Consensus first-team All-American, and won three ECC Player of the Year awards.

Professional Career

Selected 9th overall by the San Diego Clippers in the 1980 NBA Draft, Brooks spent four seasons with the team. He later played briefly for the Indiana Pacers and Denver Nuggets before finding success in France, where he was twice named French League Foreign MVP with Limoges.

After his playing career, Brooks moved to Switzerland in 2005, where he worked as a basketball coach until his death in 2016 following a massive stroke.

Career Highlights:

• 1991, 1992 - French League Foreign MVP
• 1988 - CBA Most Valuable Player
• 1988 - CBA All-Star
• 1988 - CBA Rebounding Leader
• 1980 - NABC Player of the Year
• 1980 - Consensus First-team All-American
• 1978, 1980 - Robert V. Geasey Trophy
• 1978-1980 - ECC Player of the Year (3x)
• La Salle University - No. 32 retired

Medal Record, Men's Basketball Representing the United States

• Gold - 1979 Pan American Games San Juan