And-1 Mixtape and street ball legend Troy “Escalade” Jackson passed away in his sleep early Sunday while visiting Los Angeles to attend the NBA’s All-Star Weekend.
Jackson, who stood as a giant at 6-foot-10, 400 pounds, was the younger brother of former NBA star Mark Jackson.
“He traveled all around the world and touched so many lives,” Mark Jackson told the New York Post of his brother. “He will be greatly missed. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. God is still good.”
Escalade attended University of Louisville after growing up in Jamaica Queens. He joined the And-1 Mixtape tour in 2002 and thereafter spent two years with the Harlem Globetrotters.
Celtics center Shaquille O’Neal sent his condolences via Twitter:
“My heart goes out to Mark Jackson and his family who lost his brother last night, Escalade,” O’Neal tweeted. “We lost a great person love u escalade. I’m sad.”
Escalade wasn’t just a street-baller, however. The gentle giant was also an advocate of STD prevention after losing his other brother to AIDS in the 1980s.
Long-time friend and Ball Up commissioner and CEO Demetrius Spencer released this statement on Monday night:
“Our hearts are heavy today and we are deeply saddened by the passing of a teammate, friend, and inspiration. Today, the world of streetball lost its ambassador, and the world of basketball lost a great entertainer. Escalade led both his life and our team with a joy that can never be replaced. Our deepest condolences go out to his family.
“We ask his fans around the world to keep all those dear to him in their prayers.”
