The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Former Men’s Basketball great Lance Blanks passes away
05.04.2023 | Men's Basketball, T-Association
Blanks was a member of the famed Texas “BMW” backcourt, NBA first-round pick and front office executive, ESPN college basketball analyst and Texas Athletics’ Hall of Honor inductee.
AUSTIN, Texas — Former University of Texas men's basketball great Lance Blanks passed away on Wednesday in Dallas. Blanks was 56 years old.
After spending his first two seasons at the University of Virginia, Blanks transferred to Texas and became part of the famed "BMW" backcourt that consisted of Blanks, Travis Mays and Joey Wright. In his two years at Texas, he helped the Longhorns post a 49-18 overall record and led the team to a run to the NCAA Elite Eight during his senior season in 1989-90.
Despite playing only two seasons for the Longhorns, Blanks left Texas as the eighth-leading scorer in school history with 1,322 points. That marked the highest total by a two-year player in program history. He also concluded his career as UT's all-time leader in steals (198) and ranked third at the time in career scoring average (20.0 ppg).
"We lost a truly great one with the passing of Lance Blanks, and we are all just crushed and heartbroken," said University of Texas Vice President and Athletics Director Chris Del Conte. "Lance is a Longhorn Legend, an icon, and had such a far-reaching presence and influence in the world of college and professional basketball. He was just a wonderful person who always had such positive energy, an engaging smile and a presence that lit up any room. He absolutely loved his Longhorns, was a proud Texan, and was always lending a helping hand to anyone in need. Lance was one of the first to welcome me when I came to Texas, and I've been blessed to have him as a friend. I was always grateful for his guidance, thoughts and insight, and he will be dearly missed. His legacy, impact and all he did for so many will never be forgotten. We are sending our love, support and deepest sympathy and condolences to his family, friends, teammates and all of those affected by this devastating loss."
During his junior year in 1988-89, Blanks led the Texas team to a 25-9 record and an appearance in the NCAA Round of 32. Ranked second on the team in scoring (19.7 ppg) and tabbed the Southwest Conference Newcomer of the Year, he set single-season school marks for steals (111) and minutes played (1,295).
As a senior in 1989-90, Blanks paced the team to a 24-9 record and a trip to the NCAA Elite Eight, marking the school's first appearance in the Elite Eight since 1947. That year the Longhorns advanced to the Final Four in what was then an eight-team tournament. He earned a spot on the five-man NCAA All-Midwest Regional team and the USBWA All-District VII team.
Selected as the No. 26 overall pick by the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the 1990 NBA Draft, Blanks and went on to play for three seasons in the NBA. He saw action in 81 games during his two years with the Detroit Pistons (1990-91 and 1991-92) and played in 61 games (two starts) in his one season with the Minnesota Timberwolves (1992-93). Blanks went on to play seven more years professionally in other leagues and in Europe.
After his playing career, Blanks served as Scout for the San Antonio Spurs, Assistant General Manager for the Cleveland Cavaliers, General Manager for the Phoenix Suns (2010-13) and most recently as Scout for the Los Angeles Clippers.
A native of Del Rio, Texas, Blanks was born on Sept. 9, 1966. He was inducted into the Texas Athletics' Hall of Honor in 2007. He is survived by his mother, Clarice; his brother, Sidney Jr.; the mother of his two daughters, Renee; his daughters, Riley and Bryn; and his granddaughter, Isabel. He is pre-deceased by his father, Sidney "Sugar Bear" Blanks Sr., a former NFL running back for the Houston Oilers and New England Patriots.
Information will be shared by the Blanks family in the coming days regarding Lance Blanks' celebration of life.
Additional Quotes courtesy of the NBA and the Blanks family
"Lance was a light for all those who knew him. It's been a privilege to have called him one of my closest friends. I'm eternally grateful for all the support he has shown me throughout the years. His legacy will be carried on, not only by his family, but by all those whose lives he touched for the better. You will be dearly missed, brother." – Joe Dumars, NBA Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations
"My dad was my person. He was my teacher, my idol, my best friend. The love I have for him is simply immeasurable. He carried his family and friends on his selfless shoulders and he was the wisest man I'll ever know. The path ahead is dark without him but he once told me that he trusted my sister and me to carry the torch of our family's legacy. And we will." – Riley Blanks Reed, Daughter
"My heart aches for the tragic loss of my daddy. He was our father, our rock, our superhero – the one who was there when we needed him most. Life will never be the same without him. I rest in knowing that his indomitable legacy and infectious commitment to family and community will live on forever." – Bryn Blanks Lewis, Daughter
"My child, mama loves you." – Clarice Blanks, Mother